Steam Powered Amphibious Boat, 1804
Allyn Cox
Oil on Canvas
1973-1974
Great Experiment Hall
Cox Corridors
In 1802 American inventor Oliver Evans developed a high-pressure steam engine that produced more power and weighed less than earlier models. His design made it practical to use steam power for land vehicles, such as trains, or boats. The mural is set in 1804 and depicts the nation's first steam-powered amphibious dredging scow, using one of Evans's engines, entering the Schuylkill River.
Left: The steamboat on the Platte River symbolizes the
breakthrough in water travel made possible by Evans's invention.
Right: The world's first railroad suspension bridge (designed by
John Roebling, who would later create the Brooklyn Bridge),
symbolizing steam-powered land travel, spans the Niagara River near
Niagara Falls.
This official Architect of the Capitol photograph is being made available for educational, scholarly, news or personal purposes (not advertising or any other commercial use). When any of these images is used the photographic credit line should read “Architect of the Capitol.” These images may not be used in any way that would imply endorsement by the Architect of the Capitol or the United States Congress of a product, service or point of view. For more information visit www.aoc.gov.
This photo is visible to everyone