The Pioneer Steamship Savannah: A Study for a Scale Model United States National Museum Bulletin 228, 1961, pages 61-80

This study follows a meticulous effort to rebuild the original plans of the legendary trans‑Atlantic steamship Savannah, whose first voyage in 1819 marked a turning point in maritime history. For decades the museum’s scale model—based on a nineteenth‑century reconstruction—has been accepted as accurate, yet careful comparison with contemporary logs, customs records, and foreign newspaper reports uncovers notable discrepancies in hull shape, paddle‑wheel arrangement, and superstructure.

Drawing on the ship’s own logbook, a French survey of American steam vessels, and Russian accounts of Savannah’s Baltic visit, the authors piece together a surprisingly detailed picture of the vessel’s dimensions, rigging, and engineering. The resulting analysis not only clarifies the true appearance of this pioneering craft but also illustrates the challenges of historical ship reconstruction, offering listeners a vivid glimpse into early nineteenth‑century naval research and the collaborative work that brings lost designs back to life.