Stevens, Robert Livingston (1787-1856), an American engineer, designed and built more than 20 steam-powered ships. He aimed always for faster, safer, and more efficient vessels.
Stevens was born in Hoboken, N.J. His father, John Stevens, pioneered in developing steam transportation in the United States. Stevens helped his father build the Phoenix, which became the first steamship to make an ocean voyage in 1809. In 1830, Stevens went to England to study steam locomotives and purchase iron rails. He bought the English locomotive John Bull for use on the Camden and Amboy Railroad in New Jersey. Stevens also developed a safer type of railroad track, the T-rail, and invented a hook-headed spike to attach the rail to the wooden ties. In 1844, Stevens designed the Maria, the fastest sailing ship of its time.
