The S.S. Savanah

One of the most famous accomplishments of the factory was the production of the entire engine of the S.S. Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The idea for a trans-Atlantic steamship came from Captain Moses Rogers, a close business acquaintance of Stephen’s. Captain Rogers oversaw the creation of the ship, ordering parts from various manufacturers; but he entrusted the critical steam engine to Stephen and the Speedwell Ironworks. It was a dangerous proposition, installing a large steam engine into a wooden boat that could easily catch fire. With many skeptics calling the Savannah the “Steam Coffin”, there was no margin for error in casting and constructing the ship’s engine.

But Stephen and the Ironworks rose to the challenge and successfully produced a steam engine that helped the Savannah cross the Atlantic Ocean in 29 days. The Savannah then went on to visit Sweden, St. Petersburg in Russia, and Norway, meeting praise and admiration at every stop. After its tour of Europe, the Savannah returned to America with its engine still functioning without any problems.