Rumsey's Vision: The Steamboat that Changed River Navigation A replica of James Rumsey’s steamboat at the Rumsey Steamboat Museum at Shepherdstown. Photo: Historic Shepherdstown & Museum In the late 18th century, the world was on the cusp of a transportation revolution. It was during this time that James Rumsey, an American inventor and entrepreneur, would make his mark with a groundbreaking invention - the steamboat. Rumsey's steamboat, though lesser-known than Robert Fulton's later creation, played a significant role in the development of steam-powered navigation. This article delves into the life of James Rumsey and explores the impact of his steamboat on the future of transportation. Early Life and Inventive Spirit: Born in 1743 in Maryland, James Rumsey displayed an inventive spirit from an early age. Although lacking formal education, he possessed an insatiable curiosity and a knack for engineering. Rumsey's diverse experiences, from working as a millwright
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