Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Sylvan Dell Riverboat" New York City. Signed lower right. Original oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 32c Sylvan Dell Riverboat stamp issued August 22, 1996. In 1787, John Fitch built the first experimental steamboat in America, but it wasn't until the early 1800s that the first commercial steamboat was designed. Robert Fulton, an American inventor, engineer and artist, changed America's waterway transportation system with the debut of the 150-foot-long vessel he called simply "Steamboat." The boat was powered by two 15-foot-diameter side-wheel paddles, driven by a single-cylinder condensing steam engine. In August 1807, the vessel took its first trial voyage, a 150-mile run between New York City and Albany. Traveling at an average of 4.7 mph, Fulton made the trip in 32 hours, a vast improvement over the typical cargo carrying sailing sloop's four day trip. After making a few improvements, Fulton began steaming commercially in September 1807. Every fortnight, he would complete three round trips on the Hudson River, carrying passengers and light freight. In the winter of his steamboat's first year, Fulton improved his vessel, fitting guards over the paddle wheels, beautifying the passenger quarters and enlarging the hull. These modifications significantly improved the boat, and in 1808 Fulton registered it as "North River Steamboat of Clermont." The press referred to the vessel as the "Clermont." Fulton's successful enterprise led to a 150-year booming steamboat industry. The painting features the Sylvan Dell on the East River in New York. It was one of five ships owned and operated by the Harlem & N.Y. Navigation Company. Image Size: 14.5 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 16.75 x 14.5 in. Unframed. (B15437) See More