Clermont was the first commercially successful steamboat in the United States. Designed by Robert Fulton and built by Charles Brown, it sailed in regular passenger service up and down the Hudson River. Fulton sailed the wood-burning Clermont up the Hudson from New York City to Albany in 1807 on its first trip. Registered as The North River Steamboat of Clermont, the ship was generally called the Clermont. Clermont was the name of the home of Fulton’s business partner, Robert Livingston. Fulton’s boat was 150 feet (46 meters) long and 12 feet (3.7 meters) wide. A British engine drove its two sidewheel paddles. The craft also had two masts and sails. See also Ship (The first steamboats) .
