The Floating Battery Demologos

[Josh The Lighthouse Guy]

Though built for the War of 1812, she was completed to late to see active service. Demologos is credited as the first steam-powered warship and could be considered the progenitor of the timberclads of the American Civil War.

 

[Sheltowee]

Very interesting- had never heard. Thanks!

 

[RSMorris]

I've always been fascinated by the War of 1812. I have a Muscket dated 1809 I would like to believe was used in that war but really have no idea.

 

[georgew]

Though built for the War of 1812, she was completed to late to see active service. Demologos is credited as the first steam-powered warship and could be considered the progenitor of the timberclads of the American Civil War.

Some years ago, the Smithsonian put out a rather good pamphlet on Demologos. There were some reports that she could make about 6 mph in still water. She was a low pressure steamer with a copper boiler. Just how well she handled under power isn't clear, but her hull was very thick and she would have been formidable in the harbor. It was intended to build a sister ship at Philadelphia, but the war ended and the project was terminated.

 

[Mark F. Jenkins]

She could really be considered an armored warship, in fact. Her extra-thick walls and the protection around her power plant and propulsion, though not made of iron, were intended to be virtually shot-proof-- and in an era when the smoothbore solid shot was king, would probably have been quite effective.