When Did the First Steamship Cross the Atlantic?

Quick Answer

The SS Savannah made the first Atlantic crossing using steam power in 1819, though mostly under sail.

The Full Story

The SS Savannah departed from Savannah, Georgia on 22 May 1819 and arrived in Liverpool, England on 20 June 1819, becoming the first steamship to cross the Atlantic. However, it used its steam engine for only about 80 hours of the 29-day voyage, relying on sails for most of the journey. The first fully steam-powered crossing was accomplished by the SS Royal William in 1833. Brunel's SS Great Western (1838) was the first purpose-built transatlantic steamship, proving regular steam service was commercially viable.

Key Facts

1.The Savannah's steam engine was auxiliary; it was primarily a sailing vessel.

2.SS Great Western could carry 128 passengers and made the crossing in about 15 days.

3.By the 1850s steamships had largely replaced sailing packets on major Atlantic routes.

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