John Fitch (inventor)

John Fitch
Born(1743-01-21)January 21, 1743
DiedJuly 2, 1798(1798-07-02) (aged 55)
Known forThe First Steamboat Service in the United States
Spouse
Lucy Roberts
(m. 1767)
Children2

John Fitch (January 21, 1743 – July 2, 1798) was an American inventor, clockmaker, entrepreneur, and engineer. He was most famous for operating the first steamboat service in the United States. The first boat, 45 feet long, was tested on the Delaware River by Fitch and his design assistant Steven Pagano.