Demologos: The World's First Steam Powered Warship

The world's first steam-powered warship was designed by one of the most famous engineers if the era. The steam battery Demologos was almost an analogy for the energy of the United States as it entered the nineteenth century and established a new prominence on the world stage.
Support The History Guy on Patreon: / thehistoryguy
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
You can purchase the bow tie worn in this episode at The Tie Bar:
www.thetiebar.com/?...
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
Find The History Guy at:
Facebook: / thehistoryguyyt
Please send suggestions for future episodes: [e-mail]
The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.
Subscribe for more forgotten history: / @thehistoryguychannel .
Awesome The History Guy merchandise is available at:
thehistoryguy-shop.fourthwall...
Script by THG
#history #thehistoryguy #USNavy

[@stevedietrich8936]

This was an excellent lesson THG. I had never heard of the Demologos (Fulton the First) prior to this. Your videos are much appreciated.

[@stevedietrich8936]

Ready for class Mr. THG. Happy Hump Day.

[@BA-gn3qb]

So, the first ship called Fulton pulled Fulton the First. Later, they made USS Fulton (the Second), which was actually the Third.

[@benjaminrees6665]

I love it lol

[@backwashjoe7864]

To avoid further confusion at family gatherings, the fourth Fulton was affectionately known as "Bubba".

[@paulhunt598]

Wonderful story. Wonderfully done. THG continues to find obscure history that freshly informs and entertains me. Bravo!

[@rhpsoregon]

I had the pleasure of serving aboard Fulton the Fifth, USS Fulton AS-11. Thank you for this enlightening story.

[@BlaBla-pf8mf]

When I saw this title in my subscriptions list I thought it's from Drachinifel. Glad to see more channels give naval history attention.

[@VosperCDN]

Yeah almost thought that myself once I found it in my subs list, it's certainly in his wheelhouse to produce a video about a naval oddity like this.

[@markbyrum4743]

Great story. Never heard of the Demologos even though i am a US Coast Guard Academy graduate and student of history. It would have been very interesting to have fought her. It might have changed Naval history 59 years sooner than the Ironclad era. Good vid. Keep at it!

[@archlich4489]

Thank you for your service!

[@PeterT1981]

Once again, just staggeringly interesting! I find myself at a loss for words; only able to get out “Wow!” repeatedly. Very well produced with corresponding production value. Thank you!

[@daviswall3319]

Indeed, well done History Dude !!

[@seatedliberty]

It took 2000 years to go from the oar powered trireme to the steam powered Demologos. It took 100 years to go from the Demologos to the USS Texas. If only Fulton could have seen the evolution of the steam powered warship.

[@oldmanjim2376]

To the USS Enterprise, she was still a steam powered ship

[@romanbrough]

Steam????? Surely the USS Enterprise had warp engines utilising dilithium crystals. Every body knows that? 😅😁😅

[@sfs2040]

1800s were so rapid in tech development a 10 year old warship that was top of the line whennit was new was already crippling obsolete.

[@allanlank]

As a Canadian, the War of 1812-1814 means something VERY different. Standing on our own against a continental bully, while the "mother country" was otherwise occupied, is how the war is seen in Canada. It was a war of economics for the USA but a war of survival for Canada. It was a war to keep our black citizens from the bonds of slavery, which had been abolished in Canada since 1793, and to keep our native citizens from extermination.

[@frankmueller2781]

I have serious reservations about how deeply white Canadians cared about black 'citizens' in 1812, but I'm absolutely positive that most of them didn't give two cents worth of crap about native peoples. I will agree that the Northern States acted covetously of Canadian territory, but it *was* British actions at sea that got enough Southern votes to declare war.

[@carbidegrd1]

@@frankmueller2781 'Coincidentally' both of these wars were fought when England was engaged with France. The US was selling goods in bulk to Napoleon and the British tried to stop it. Conveniently, the American narrative leaves out that this was seen as an opportunity to expand, “The acquisition of Canada this year, as far as the neighborhood of Quebec, will be a mere matter of marching; & will give us experience for the attack of Halifax the next, & the final expulsion of England from the American continent.” Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 4 August 1812. The original settlers had the usual misgivings with First nations people, that said nothing in Canada compares to the truly brutal treatment in the US given to it's first inhabitants and it's acquired free labor. Further more, let us not forget that those 'votes' came from the few who were allowed to vote.

[@frankmueller2781]

@@carbidegrd1 voting rights in Canada, or Britain for that matter, were no more liberal than those of the U.S. Sure, the U.S. wanted Territory. So did Britain, as the attacks on Detroit and Lake Champlain were not defensive. And enough of projecting modern Canadian attitudes toward "Indigenous Peoples" (i.e. Indians. Polls show that *They* don't mind the term, but white Leftists do) to early 19th Century Canadians. And as for American shipping to the continent, Americans were neutral and not legally bound by Britain's blockade. Moreover, the blockade was so porous that Napoleon himself regularly shaved with British razor blades. Enough of the "Holier-than-thou" attitude.

[@carbidegrd1]

​@@frankmueller2781 "Voting rights were the same in the US as Britain, You see the irony?" America wasn't neutral, it was taking sides. The famous statement above is an apt demonstration of what the thinking was. I have no holier than thou attitude. British history and for that matter Canadian history has come to terms with its shortcomings long ago. You are in a country that is just getting around to pulling down the statues of traitors. American history is riddled with exaggeration and blatant lies.

[@frankmueller2781]

@@carbidegrd1 Thank God we have you to set the world straight. Must be a tremendous burden being the only one able to sort all those lies from the truths, and suppositions from the "True Facts." 🙄

[@HM2SGT]

A new Naval tale. Looking forward to it. Thank you 😃

[@Avallachgrey]

What I remember of the war of 1812 comes from the song "The Battle of New Orleans" by Johnny Horton.

[@sillyone52062]

Mores of Johnny Horton's time prevented singing the name of the nether regions, so it was cleverly blanked out with "then we fired our squirrel gun and we really have them...Well, we fired our guns, but the British still were comin'..."

[@kellybreen5526]

As a Canadian the War of 1812 is kind of a big deal, but in reality it was just a side show and a distraction for the British who were up to their necks fighting Napoleon. The British had few resources to send, and the "Savour of Upper Canada" Isaac Brock was actually bitterly disappointed at being sent to British North America, as he rightly saw it as a backwater and a career killer. I really enjoy your channel!

[@JohnWayneCheeseburger]

Im always amazed that most Canadians dont realize that the war of 1812 was a rather unimportant side show and Europe was in turmoil due to the Napoleonic wars

[@kellybreen5526]

@@JohnWayneCheeseburger Well that is due the poor standard of education particularly regarding history. My son's text book was rife with errors. It looked like a pamphlet for the Liberal Party of Canada. It is a disgrace. If you want to learn about history you need to watch this channel!

[@JohnWayneCheeseburger]

@@kellybreen5526 I agree completely history class has become a bit of a joke

[@Bydesign777]

Never heard this tale before. Amazing story!

[@WillBravoNotEvil]

When I was a kid my 5th grade teacher kept an upright piano in the classroom. Every week or two she'd haul off and throw a singalong. That's where I learned Johnny Horton's "Battle of New Orleans". This episode wonderfully stirred those old memories. Thanks, THG!

[@blacktar467899]

Thanks History Guy. The only thing I knew previously about the Demologos is that it existed. If you ever wish to revisit the naval aspects of the 1812 war, a video about Silas Halsey and his submarine is a sure winner.

[@HM2SGT]

Perhaps you’d consider turning your attention to the old man of the mountain? New Hampshire’s great stone face. Gone May 23, 2003 but far from forgotten! "Men hang out their signs indicative of their respective trades; shoemakers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster watch, and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth; but up in the Mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men." Daniel Webster

[@aimeepotts2137]

I love these histories of naval vessels. Thanks again!

[@jamesbarca7229]

I just happened to be watching some videos on naval history this morning when this video posted. Perfect timing. Thanks for another great video. I don't know how you keep coming up with these stories that I've never heard of.

[@tgmccoy1556]

I'd love a co-historical bit done by History guy and Drachinifel.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Never met the man, but I wouldn't be opposed.

[@quillmaurer6563]

I'd also love to see a collab with Mark Felton Productions - they have a lot in common, similar presentation style, and often similar topics, sometimes even topics that compliment each other well. Fairly recently THG did a video on microfilm that touched upon V-Mail, around the same time Mark Felton did a video diving much deeper into the V-mail story.

[@ianwilkinson5069]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Ive watched you both for several years now and think a collaboration would be awesome! Great job keeping history alive.

[@v8mufflerboy84]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel you and Drachinifel and Bernhard Kast could be delightful.

[@Paladin1873]

At 7:55 you mention Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr. He would make an excellent topic for your program. I grew up in north Florida, but many of my relatives were from nearby Decatur County, Georgia, which was named after Commodore Decatur. Their county seat is Bainbridge, GA, named after Commodore William Bainbridge, another early US Navy hero and purported friend of Decatur. Anyone familiar with the history of Decatur and Bainbridge would find this combination of names rather strange. This is because of the Chesapeake-Leopard affair of 1807, which served as a precursor for the War of 1812 and would ultimately contribute to Decatur's untimely death in 1820. Bainbridge's part in his death remains a bit of an unresolved mystery, but the whole story is history worth remembering.

[@tomlindsay4629]

There's a really great model of this ship at the Annapolis museum. Thanks for posting!

[@opathesecond5438]

It’s no wonder Perry liked the idea. In the Battle of Lake Erie what commander would not want a ship like that? Brilliant as usual.

[@bryantsemenza9703]

Wow. Hit that one out of the park, History Guy. So interesting. This was exciting times when America was young and proud. We were first in many many things, just wish we continued this pride. Thanks again.

[@MAGAMANPATRIOT]

I absolutely love history so when I found THG I knew be a big fan. Lately I've gotten to where I don't watch for a week or so , then I can settle back kick off my shoe's and binge watch episodes.

[@graycav56]

Every time I start a History Guy episode I am reminded how much I have yet to learn!

[@arrjay2410]

The war of 1812 was considered one of the events that defined Canada. Interestingly the Americans actually did quite well in the battles on the Great Lakes using Sloops and Schooners, The British were building full size Frigates for The Lakes when the war ended. It could have been and interesting confrontation if the Americans had constructed one of these for the Great Lakes.

[@sfs2040]

Ship of the Line too

[@thomasbaagaard]

@@sfs2040 And it was a fist rate...

[@MrKawaltd750]

What a nice nugget of history !!

[@tadroid3858]

Col. John Stevens of Hoboken is also a very interesting character, who was a leading engineer & builder in the steam revolution. BTW I love your stories. Well researched and well written, your presentations are entertaining and easy to follow. Thanks so much!

[@craigkdillon]

It is stories, like this one, that made me stop reading fiction. True stories, like this, are more entertaining, than fiction for me. The knowledge that the story really happened makes it that much more profound. The tragedy or comedy is made sublime by the reality of it.

[@uraswami8077]

Love the subject matter! Relatively unknown, yet significant impact. Thanks for this one. There’s an event that really seems to fit this channel that I would love to see THG’s take on. In September of 1863, a Union force of 5000 men, accompanied by multiple gunboats attempted to invade SE Texas. A Confederate artillery unit of 46 men with outdated smoothbore cannons routed the invasion force and turned back the Union fleet, ending the threat. The Second Battle of Sabine Pass is history worth remembering on this channel. 👍

[@geoffreytudor5674]

XLNT! Well done as ever, and fascinating.

[@rosetownstumpcity]

thanks for another interesting video to get me thinking before work. also, congats on the 1M subscribers, they are very deserved and im sure there will be a million more before too long

[@mikebronicki8264]

I find it amazing that a nation barely 30 years old could be at the forefront of naval innovation.

[@HingerlAlois]

Why not? The inhabitants obviously had the knowledge from their previous countries, they didn’t start at 0.

[@yeoldesaltydog7415]

Necessity is the Mother of Invention. Be suppressed and I mean REALLY Suppressed and see what you come up with to survive.

[@gotsloco1810]

I have had several discussions with persons with technical skills that emigrated to the US after WWII. There was a common theme…. There was is a reason they call it the old country. They were completely frustrated with using new technologies at “home”.

[@stevek8829]

@@yeoldesaltydog7415 *surprised

[@promontorium]

The government was 30, the nation was 200 years old. People often assume America began with the declaration of independence. As if all of a sudden a people among cities sprouted from nothing in 1776. And it's also correct that nothing was lost from its British origins and other European influences that go back a thousand years. Sometimes people seem to start over. Like many nations after the fall of the western Roman empire lost technology, social order, literature, etc. And that's probably true for awhile in the early colonial period for America, but by the 1700s America was more like West Britain than something starting over. Great luck it was able to add to, not have to reset.

[@KRWoodworks]

Might I suggest a video on the James Rumsey steamboat of 1787? It was successful but didn't seem to garner much interest. It didn't use paddle wheels it used a water jet to propel it. There is a 1/2 scale replica which I have been on. It is a very interesting craft

[@nelsontodd9184]

I look forward to seeing your videos young man great job

[@flyboy89ify]

Great story, thank you for the great content!

[@mellissadalby1402]

I've always been a fan of Robert Fulton, but I had never before heard of Fulton the First. Thanks for telling such a great story in such a great way.

[@garygrant9612]

Fitch was the first to have a steam boat.

[@diannhall7564]

Thank you. I remember learning about Fulton's steamboat in school many, many years ago. But, I never knew anything else about it (until today)!

[@Imperiused]

I love history that has left the popular imagination. Truly history worth remembering!

[@charleshettrick2408]

Thank you for setting the name straight. In the l920s, my Dad built floating models of The Fulton pulling Fulton the 1st. Never knew the correct name Demologos. Unfortunately by the late 1960s, damp storage destroyed the model's glue. Parts fell off and were lost.

[@htos1av]

This was awesome-never got into this detail even in secondary school.

[@davidlogansr8007]

Thank You THG! I had heard of it but informed discussion was not available in my previous computer less life.

[@fakshen1973]

Great bit of overlooked history.

[@a3skywarrior929]

I've heard of this before in my Naval readings. Excellent post! Your pic of an EP-3E (I believe VQ-2 my first squadron) at the end is always nice to see!👍🍻

[@promontorium]

The naming reminds me of the city of Modesto, CA. Modesto was named after a San Francisco banker named William Ralston. Ralston was beloved by the people in the west in the mid-late 1800s. One of the wealthiest Americans, he was known for his many projects and philanthropy. When the city set to name itself Ralston, Ralston asked them not to. So instead they named it after his character "Modesto", Spanish for modest. His death is pretty crazy. Through a series of events his financial empire collapsed by 1875. The final event was the crash of Bank of California stock, a bank he founded. The day after the crash his body was found in San Francisco Bay. 50,000 people attended his funeral.

[@BuzzSargent]

Thank you! That was an outstanding story! Happy New Year!

[@finscreenname]

The War of 1812 happened outside my bedroom window. We have a 200+ year old oak in our yard that could have heard (if it had ears) the shelling of Ft McHenry and I have been on the spot many times where FS Key wrote his poem.

[@tysonfrysinger4147]

Great channel! Very educational. Did you by any chance do a video on the Voyager aircraft? The first airplane to fly around the world nonstop and unfueled.

[@jetsons101]

What a great morning watch, well off to work. Thanks to THG

[@misterflibble6601]

Congress needs to pass a law requiring The History Guy to be shown in every History Class at least 3 times a week

[@ElmoUnk1953]

How did I miss this? Excellent video!

[@-jeff-]

It amazed me that I'd hear and read about the "Fulton the First" (and the Second) in historical accounts, but do not remember ever seeing the name Demologos. TY again THG for being our Vox Populi.

[@tygrkhat4087]

I see what you did there. Well done. 👏

[@frankgulla2335]

I often know something about the topic but I almost always learn something new from your tales of history. But the USS Demologos was news to me. Thank you for enlightening me about the world's first steam-powered warship.

[@miketomon9632]

Another BZ to The History Guy. I have always been fascinated by our Second War for Independence.

[@wingman5985]

Innovation is one of the qualities that has always and currently makes America exceptional!

[@tinfoilhat1441]

Love these use these clips to teach my kids history

[@marvwatkins7029]

Never knew about this tale. Thanks Lance, you've done it very well again.

[@markgarin6355]

'sailing' upstream on inland waterways must have been interesting pre steamship.

[@TheChibiGingi]

Britain opted to end the war because it took one look at the Demologos and said "Nope!" (Just kidding, of course) ANYWAYS, great lesson today, sir. A pity Fulton passed before it's completion, though.

[@leeboy26]

"Look out! It has steam!" -The Royal Navy, probably.

[@punditgi]

Fascinating story well told as usual!

[@racketyjack7621]

Great story, well told. It's amazing the energy and love for country in our past. It is a good lesson for us today. Isn't that one of the best reasons to learn history?

[@TheOtherBill]

Am I the only one who had Johnny Horton's great song "The Battle of New Orleans" pop into my head as soon as THG mentioned the battle?

[@fixman88]

"In 1814 we took a little trip...."

[@davefreeman8351]

Great story! I love history, but naval history is my favorite. I spent more than 10 years in the nuclear navy. But I started really getting into naval history after I left the navy. Thanks for another great story!

[@leepackard1660]

Superb as always. Thank you

[@megastore5405]

Great Presentation.

[@tygrkhat4087]

Where you are in the US determines your history. In 1997, my sisters and I were in Washington for a wedding and we did much sightseeing. On our return from Mount Vernon, the guide on the bus said we were passing the last War of 1812 fixture in the area. My sisters and I looked at each other and smirked. The War of 1812 is a big historical event in WNY and Southern Ontario. In Niagara County there is Fort Niagara, opposite the Canadian Fort George; across from Buffalo is Fort Erie, with Buffalo's Fort Porter long gone. However, going east from Buffalo to visit Cooperstown, you get into areas of New York where the Revolution is the big historical event.

[@patriciajrs46]

The area is so true. I grew up in Wyoming and never heard of your NY and Canadian battles. We heard of 1812 of course, but much more prominence was given to Wyoming and NE history, some Colorado and Montana, but very little on the East coast.

[@russwoodward8251]

You’re the best Mr & Mrs. History Guy. Thanks

[@lynnwood7205]

The first I had heard of this. Thank you.

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

You never cease to amaze, bringing seemingly obscure events of history to the forefront, and relating their importance...

[@larrybomber83]

I had completely forgotten about that ship. Thank You.

[@Ianreydel]

Great work as always! Thank you

[@slateslavens]

MR History Guy, I haven't watched the video yet, but I will. If you're looking for something that _truly_ deserves to be remembered, look into the SOE and OSS operative Virginia Hall of WWII. I think you'll be amazed. The War of 1812? I served with 2/7 Inf Bn from 1991 to 1994, and we were 'the cottonbalers, by god'. I served in the unit that the song was written about. I was a bit late to the party, though. When I got there they had already returned from spearheading the invasion of Iraq. We were 'first' in a number of things, but I won't bore you with the details, but I was proud to be part of that unit.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYGoppiag69kncU

[@ETennScott]

This is news to me. Great story History Guy!!

[@thomasswafford250]

The British and American governments had fits with people trading across the Canadian border. Some of these people weren't about to let a war interfere with business. Also, a big reason for the war was the desire to annex Canada. Many in the government including former president Thomas Jefferson though that many Canadians especially the French Canadians would embrace becoming Americans. They were wrong.

[@marklittle8805]

We Canadians kinda like doing things our way.

[@Lndmk227]

@@marklittle8805 Before I learned it in the comments of this video, I (an American) didn't even know that Canada had been part of the considerations for the War of 1812. Granted, all I really knew about the war, really, was the burning of the White House by the British. Disappointing how little time our history courses spent on this conflict. We're always focused on the Revolution, the Civil War, sometimes World War I, and we're OBSESSED with World War II.

[@marklittle8805]

@@Lndmk227 Canada was seen as a way the US could lash out at the Brits and end their meddling in American affairs. To be fair. I get that the UK was messing with the American government since it was not even 40 years old at this point. America also thought that the people in Canada were often old Loyalist families that wouldn't fight Americans and would be American friendly. That was naive because the joined the Canadian Militia and did fight to defend their homes. I always find it interesting when I meet Americans and most never understand the War of 1812 and the whole point of it.

[@Lndmk227]

@@marklittle8805 Just goes to show how perspective is so very important. I bet this is a pretty big chapter in Canada's history courses the same way the Revolution is in ours.

[@kennethconnors5316]

just wanted to say , you make history fun

[@douglasrdeaton]

Very interesting story, thank you for sharing.

[@pupaepedorra]

Amazing episode!

[@jasonz7788]

Thank you history Guy great work Sir

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

2:23 I wouldn't expect anything less

[@kurtdietrich3533]

I read a lot of military history, and I've never heard of this before. Fascinating topics you present. Question-how did they fire a hot shot? Wouldn't loading the red hot ball into the cannon set off the powder?

[@sandybarnes887]

Steam powered cannon

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Please forgive Wikipedia as a source, but this describes the process. A clay or wet cloth plug was used to prevent the shot from igniting the powder. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heated_shot

[@timsheridan3987]

Another good one a question came to mind while watching this.....when and how was the shift made from paddle wheels to stern props or propellers? Keep up the great work

[@leechowning2712]

1839, SS Archimedes was the first vessel to use one, but it was a few more years before naval vessels would consider it.

[@tomperkins5657]

Always fascinating. Always intriguing.

[@alexanderdeburdegala4609]

Awesome story. I had no idea.

[@whosonfirst1309]

That was wicked cool. Thank you for that.

[@rexmyers991]

WOW - Great story. Thanks, Professor

[@texasnannyjoe2049]

Outstanding History!

[@EcoSpeeder]

HG -- Fulton's Folly Indeed. ! Thanks for bringing Fulton into his due.

[@Ethan7s]

Great video as usual!

[@robertf3479]

It's a shame for an amature naval historian to have to admit that he didn't know much about this vessel beyond the barest of basics. Thank you sir, I found this presentation enlightening.

[@johnclayden1670]

Amazing: of course, I knew of Fulton, but had never heard of this ship.

[@cg9612]

Cool episode! I'd like to know more about Robert Fulton and his inventions. The war of 1812 also gave us the Star Spangled Banner composed in Baltimore harbor.

[@stevek8829]

Key didn't write the music, he wrote new words to a popular song.

[@cg9612]

@@stevek8829 Yes, an English song!

[@gary4250]

Obscure fascinating history with pirates / privateers once again masterfully researched and told.

[@kortjohn]

One of my early childhood friends was named Robert Fulton and we were trying to make an airplane in his backyard in beavercreek Ohio. We were making it out of wood. I remember starting with the pilot seat these two pieces of wood that were nailed together that kind of resembled a seat. We also made a restaurant with such menu items as fruit roll-ups and deli cuts advertised to people on the side of the road. Nobody ever stopped LOL

[@chuckaddison5134]

Despite being a bit of a maritime history buff. I had never heard of this vessel, nor the fact she was more catamaran than monohull. Well done sir!

[@glennmatthews9819]

Thank you for what you do.

[@nilo70]

Thank you for making this happen !

[@fredcloud9668]

Excellent.

[@earlyriser8998]

excellent story

[@stevenshaw1299]

THG please do a story on the Vajont Dam tragedy. Very interesting.