
George Steers was a sailor and shipbuilder who played a pivotal role in the development of the American clipper ship industry.
He was born in 1800 in Stonington, Connecticut, and began his maritime career at a young age.
Steers' early years at sea were spent working on whaling ships, where he gained valuable experience and skills that would later benefit his shipbuilding endeavors.
He eventually turned his focus to shipbuilding, establishing a successful career in the industry.
Steers is perhaps best known for designing and building the ship "Flying Cloud", which set a record for the fastest voyage from New York to San Francisco in 1851.
The "Flying Cloud" was a remarkable vessel, measuring 184 feet in length and 27 feet in width.
It was equipped with a state-of-the-art hull design and a massive sail area, making it an ideal candidate for record-breaking voyages.
George Steers' Achievements
George Steers was a pioneering figure in the history of the steamboat industry. He is credited with inventing the first commercially successful steamboat, the Clermont.

The Clermont was a significant achievement in itself, but Steers also played a crucial role in the development of the steamboat industry as a whole. He was a skilled engineer and innovator who continued to improve his designs throughout his career.
Steers' steamboats were faster and more efficient than their predecessors, revolutionizing transportation on the waterways. They could travel at speeds of up to 5 miles per hour, making them a game-changer for the industry.
One of Steers' most notable achievements was his ability to navigate the treacherous waters of the Hudson River. He successfully completed the first steamboat trip from New York to Albany in 1807, demonstrating the practicality and potential of his invention.
Life and Work
George Steers was a naval architect and shipbuilder who worked alongside his brother James in the George & James R. Steers shipyard.
They inherited a strong naval architecture tradition from their father, Henry Steers, who was already a naval architect in England. George Steers was also a skilled shipbuilder who designed and built several notable vessels, including the America yacht.
George Steers died on September 25, 1856, at the age of unknown.
James and Shipyard

James and George Steers started the firm George & James R. Steers in 1850, inheriting from a naval architecture tradition.
Their father, Henry Steers, was already a naval architect in England. The company was located in Greenpoint, Long Island, New York.
They designed the America in 1851 to win the Queen's Cup at the annual regatta of the London Royal Yacht Club. She cost about $23,000.
George Steers died on September 25, 1856.
Jack Strickland, supervisor of the construction of the yacht America, was a foreman of the Steers shipyard.
Here are some key facts about the Steers shipyard:
- American shipbuilders
- 1850 establishments in New York (state)
- Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Usa
In the United States, the average workweek is 34.4 hours, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The US has a relatively high cost of living, with the median household income being around $67,149.
Many Americans prioritize work-life balance, with 63% of employed adults working remotely at least some of the time.
The country's strong economy and high standard of living make it an attractive destination for immigrants.
Geographic Connections

George Steers was born in New York City in 1800. He grew up in a family of modest means.
George Steers' connection to the Erie Canal is significant, as his family likely utilized the canal for transportation and trade. The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River, revolutionizing commerce between the East Coast and the Midwest.
Steers' sailing experience began on the Hudson River, where he worked on ships that traveled to New York Harbor. The Hudson River was a key waterway for trade and commerce in the early 19th century.
Steers' time on the Hudson River influenced his later designs for ships, including the Clermont, which he built in 1807.
Sources
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