Ivan Akimovich Sushchenko (Russian, B. 1930) "Steamship" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 1c Pan-American Invert: City of Alpena Steamship stamp issued March 29, 2001. During the 19th century when Americans began traveling West by the thousands, the Great Lakes provided a convenient route for passenger and freight. Vessels powered by sail were commonly used -- just as they had been for centuries throughout the world. The invention of the steamboat revolutionized waterway transportation. American engineer and inventor Robert Fulton designed the first commercially successful steamboat -- Clermont. He adapted James Watt's steam engine (patented in 1769) to his boat and, in 1807, the Clermont steamed 150 miles up the Hudson River from New York City to Albany in 32 hours. The boat later provided regular passenger service on the Hudson and opened the door for other steamboat service on the Great Lakes and along the Atlantic coast. In 1809, the Phoenix, designed by John Stevens, became the first steamboat to make an ocean voyage, traveling along the Atlantic coast and up the Delaware River from New York City to Philadelphia. It was only a matter of time before steam would be used to power ships across the Atlantic, and in 1819, the American ship, the Savannah, became the first steamship to do so. The Savannah traveled from New York City to Liverpool in 29 days. However, in 1838, the British side-wheeler Sirius became the first ship to cross the Atlantic under steam power alone. Image Size: 9 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 11.75 x 16.25 in. Unframed. (B16913)