The Pioneer Steamship Savannah: A Study for a Scale Model Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What was the name of the shipyard where the SS Savannah was constructed?

Fickett and Crockett
John Roach & Sons
William Cramp & Sons Ship & Engine Building Company
Harland and Wolff

Correct Answer: Fickett and Crockett

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah was built in 1818 by Fickett and Crockett in New York City. This shipyard played a significant role in the development of early steam-powered vessels.

What was the primary means of propulsion for the SS Savannah?

Steam
Sail
Oars
A combination of sail and steam

Correct Answer: A combination of sail and steam

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah was designed as an auxiliary steam vessel, relying primarily on sail power with steam as a supplementary means of propulsion. This was common for ships of the time, as steam technology was still in its early stages and not efficient enough for long voyages.

Where was the SS Savannah’s engine located?

Forward of the paddle wheel shaft
Aft of the paddle wheel shaft
Above the main deck
Below the waterline

Correct Answer: Aft of the paddle wheel shaft

Correct Answer Explanation: The placement of the engine abaft the paddle wheel shaft was a design choice that helped balance the ship’s weight and improve trim. It’s a testament to the careful consideration given to ship design in the early 19th century.

How did the SS Savannah’s paddle wheels affect the ship’s efficiency when under sail?

The paddle wheels increased the ship’s speed under sail.
The paddle wheels reduced the ship’s speed under sail.
The paddle wheels had no effect on the ship’s speed under sail.
The paddle wheels could be folded to reduce wind resistance when under sail.

Correct Answer: The paddle wheels could be folded to reduce wind resistance when under sail.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s paddle wheels were designed to fold down to reduce wind resistance and allow for easier stowage when the ship was relying on sail power. This innovative feature allowed for more efficient use of both steam and sail.

How many passenger berths did the SS Savannah have?

Correct Answer: 32

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah had 32 passenger berths in staterooms, suggesting that while designed for both cargo and passengers, her primary purpose was cargo transport. This limited capacity reflects the challenges of balancing passenger comfort with the space needed for the engine and fuel.

What was the Savannah’s top speed under steam?

12 knots
10 knots
8 knots
6 knots

Correct Answer: 6 knots

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s maximum speed under steam was 6 knots, while she could reach 9 to 10 knots under sail. This highlights the superiority of sail power over steam power in the early 19th century.

Which city did the SS Savannah visit in 1819, marking an important event that brought international attention to the ship and its steam-powered capabilities?

Liverpool, England
Paris, France
New York City, USA
St. Petersburg, Russia

Correct Answer: St. Petersburg, Russia

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s voyage to Russia in 1819, where she visited St. Petersburg, was an important event that brought international attention to the ship and her steam-powered capabilities. This voyage showcased the potential of American innovation in the field of marine transportation.

What is the name of the measure used to calculate a ship’s cargo capacity?

Beam
Hold
Burthen
Perpendiculars

Correct Answer: Burthen

Correct Answer Explanation: Burthen is a measure of a ship’s cargo capacity, typically calculated in tons. The SS Savannah’s burthen was 319 70/94 tons, demonstrating the limited cargo capacity due to the space occupied by the engine, boilers, and fuel.

What is the name of the historical document that provides detailed information about the SS Savannah’s voyage?

The Savannah’s logbook
The United States National Museum’s model of the Savannah
A French report on American steam vessels
Russian newspaper accounts of the Savannah’s visit to St. Petersburg

Correct Answer: The Savannah’s logbook

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s logbook is a crucial historical document that provides detailed information about the ship’s voyage, including its course, speed, weather conditions, and daily activities. It’s a primary source that offers invaluable insights into the realities of early steam navigation.

How many boilers did the SS Savannah have?

One
Two
Three
Four

Correct Answer: Two

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah had two boilers, which were each 27 feet long and 6 feet in diameter. These boilers were essential for generating the steam that powered the engine.

What year did the SS Savannah make history by becoming the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean?

1817
1818
1819
1820

Correct Answer: 1819

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah’s crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in 1819 was a monumental achievement, marking a significant milestone in the development of steam navigation.

What material was primarily used in the construction of the SS Savannah’s hull?

Iron
Steel
Wood
Aluminum

Correct Answer: Wood

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah, like most ships of that era, was constructed primarily of wood. This was a common shipbuilding practice, as iron and steel were not yet widely used in shipbuilding.

What term describes the long pieces of timber used in the rigging of a ship?

Keel
Spar
Beam
Transom

Correct Answer: Spar

Correct Answer Explanation: Spar is a general term for any long piece of timber used in the rigging of a ship, such as masts, yards, and booms. These spars were crucial for supporting the ship’s sails and providing stability.

What was the name of the steam engine manufacturer who built the SS Savannah’s engine?

Stephen Vail
Daniel Dod
Robert Fulton
James Watt

Correct Answer: Stephen Vail

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah’s steam engine was designed by Daniel Dod and built by Stephen Vail, who owned the Speedwell Ironworks near Morristown, New Jersey. This highlights the growing importance of steam engine manufacturing in the early 19th century.

What was the SS Savannah’s length between perpendiculars?

75 feet
98 feet 6 inches
120 feet
150 feet

Correct Answer: 98 feet 6 inches

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah was 98 feet 6 inches in length between perpendiculars. This means that the distance between the two points on the ship’s keel that are perpendicular to the waterline was 98 feet 6 inches. This reveals the Savannah was a relatively small ship compared to later transatlantic liners.

What is the name of the horizontal timber at the stern of a ship that forms the aftermost part of the deck?

Keel
Spar
Transom
Sternpost

Correct Answer: Transom

Correct Answer Explanation: The transom is the horizontal timber at the stern of a ship that forms the aftermost part of the deck.

What is the name of the thick strip of planking along the side of a ship that provides structural support?

Keel
Spar
Wale
Transom

Correct Answer: Wale

Correct Answer Explanation: A wale is a thick strip of planking along the side of a ship, providing structural support.

What year did the SS Savannah become stranded and lost off the coast of Long Island?

1818
1819
1820
1821

Correct Answer: 1821

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah was stranded and lost off the coast of Long Island in 1821. This highlights the dangers of early seafaring, even with the advancements of steam technology.

How much coal did the SS Savannah carry for fuel?

25 tons
50 tons
75 tons
100 tons

Correct Answer: 75 tons

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah carried 75 tons of coal and 25 cords of wood for fuel. This highlights the significant amount of space required for fuel, which limited the amount of cargo the Savannah could carry.

What is the name of the vertical timber at the stern of a ship that supports the rudder?

Sternpost
Transom
Keel
Wale

Correct Answer: Sternpost

Correct Answer Explanation: The sternpost is the vertical timber at the stern of a ship that supports the rudder.

What is the name of the curve in the stern of a ship, below the transom?

Tuck
Sternpost
Transom
Wale

Correct Answer: Tuck

Correct Answer Explanation: A tuck is a curve in the stern of a ship, below the transom.

How many buckets did each of the SS Savannah’s paddle wheels have?

Four
Six
Eight
Ten

Correct Answer: Eight

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s paddle wheels were 16 feet in diameter and had eight buckets each. This indicates the relatively small size of the paddle wheels compared to later steamships.

What is the name of the line drawn perpendicular to the keel, used as a reference point for measuring the length of a ship?

Beam
Hold
Perpendiculars
Burthen

Correct Answer: Perpendiculars

Correct Answer Explanation: Perpendiculars are lines drawn perpendicular to the keel, used as reference points for measuring the length of a ship.

What is the name of the cargo-carrying space below the main deck of a ship?

Beam
Hold
Perpendiculars
Burthen

Correct Answer: Hold

Correct Answer Explanation: The hold is the cargo-carrying space below the main deck of a ship.

How many horsepower did the SS Savannah’s engine develop?

Correct Answer: 90

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s engine developed 90 horsepower. This highlights the limited power output of early steam engines, which required large amounts of fuel and space.

What is the name of the ship that was built in 1825 and was used for comparison with the SS Savannah to better understand its design and construction?

The Ohio
The Clermont
The Fulton
The Enterprise

Correct Answer: The Ohio

Correct Answer Explanation: The authors compared the Savannah to other ships of the period, such as the Ohio, a coastal packet ship built in 1825, to enhance their understanding of the Savannah’s unique features.

What is the name of the type of ship specifically designed for carrying mail and passengers on a regular schedule between two ports?

Sailing ship
Freighter
Packet ship
Barque

Correct Answer: Packet ship

Correct Answer Explanation: A packet ship is a ship specifically designed for carrying mail and passengers on a regular schedule between two ports.

How did the SS Savannah’s journey contribute to the development of steam navigation?

It demonstrated the potential of steam power for long-distance travel.
It proved that steam power was superior to sail power.
It led to the immediate widespread adoption of steam-powered ships.
It had no impact on the development of steam navigation.

Correct Answer: It demonstrated the potential of steam power for long-distance travel.

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah’s historic transatlantic voyage marked a significant milestone in the development of steam navigation, demonstrating the potential of steam power for long-distance travel.

What were the two main types of fuel used by the SS Savannah?

Coal and oil
Wood and coal
Oil and wood
Coal and kerosene

Correct Answer: Wood and coal

What was the diameter of the SS Savannah’s steam engine cylinder?

20 3/8 inches
30 3/8 inches
40 3/8 inches
50 3/8 inches

Correct Answer: 40 3/8 inches

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s steam engine had a cylinder diameter of 40 3/8 inches and a stroke of 5 feet. This demonstrates the limited size and power of early steam engines.

What is the name of the device that was used to protect the SS Savannah’s paddle wheels from the elements?

Sail spar
Engine room
Wheel boxes
Boilers

Correct Answer: Wheel boxes

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s innovative design feature included canvas wheel boxes to protect the paddle wheels. This demonstrates the challenges of using steam power at sea, and the need to protect vulnerable equipment from the elements.

Why was the SS Savannah’s transatlantic voyage considered financially unsuccessful?

The ship was too slow and inefficient.
The ship was too expensive to operate.
The ship was not well-maintained.
The ship was not well-promoted.

Correct Answer: The ship was too expensive to operate.

Correct Answer Explanation: Despite its historic significance, the Savannah’s transatlantic voyage was a financial failure. The ship was too expensive to operate due to the high fuel consumption of its steam engine.

What is the name of the sail that was used as a crane on the SS Savannah?

Fore topsail
Mainsail
Fore spencer gaff
Jib

Correct Answer: Fore spencer gaff

Correct Answer Explanation: This innovative use of a sail spar demonstrates the versatility and ingenuity of early seafaring practices.

How did the SS Savannah’s design demonstrate the limitations of early steam technology?

The ship was too large and cumbersome.
The ship was too slow and inefficient.
The ship was not well-designed.
The ship was not well-built.

Correct Answer: The ship was too slow and inefficient.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s fuel consumption during her transatlantic voyage demonstrates the limitations of early steam engines, which required significant amounts of fuel and limited cargo capacity.

What is the name of the historical period in which the SS Savannah’s journey occurred?

The Industrial Revolution
The Age of Exploration
The Renaissance
The Middle Ages

Correct Answer: The Industrial Revolution

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s journey occurred during a period of rapid technological advancement, particularly in the development of steam power. This era is known as the Industrial Revolution, a time of significant technological and economic change.

What is the name of the author of the eBook, “The Pioneer Steamship Savannah: A Study for a Scale Model”?

John Smith
William Jones
Robert Fulton
Not mentioned

Correct Answer: Not mentioned

Correct Answer Explanation: The author of the eBook is not mentioned in the provided text.

Why was the SS Savannah’s design considered innovative for its time?

It featured a steam engine that was more powerful than other ships.
It featured a hull design that was more efficient than other ships.
It featured a combination of sail and steam power.
It featured a luxurious passenger experience.

Correct Answer: It featured a combination of sail and steam power.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah, as an auxiliary steam vessel, highlights the reliance on sail power, with steam serving as a supplementary means of propulsion. This was a novel approach for its time, combining the benefits of both steam and sail.

What was the state of the American economy during the time of the SS Savannah’s journey?

Booming
Stable
In a state of depression
Uncertain

Correct Answer: In a state of depression

Correct Answer Explanation: The American economy was in a state of depression when the SS Savannah embarked on its transatlantic voyage. This economic context influenced the ship’s financial success.

What aspect of the SS Savannah’s design contributed to its unique ability to navigate both under sail and steam?

The use of a steam engine
The design of the hull
The placement of the paddle wheels
The use of multiple masts

Correct Answer: The placement of the paddle wheels

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s paddle wheels could be folded to reduce wind resistance when under sail. This demonstrates an innovative design feature that allowed for efficient use of both steam and sail power.

What was the SS Savannah’s role in the development of transatlantic travel?

It established the first regular steamship route across the Atlantic.
It demonstrated the potential of steam power for long-distance travel.
It led to the immediate decline of sailing ships.
It had no impact on the development of transatlantic travel.

Correct Answer: It demonstrated the potential of steam power for long-distance travel.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s successful transatlantic voyage, though financially unsuccessful, showcased the potential of steam power and helped to pave the way for future innovations in marine transportation.

Why is the SS Savannah considered a pioneer in the field of steam navigation?

It was the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
It was the first steamship to be built in the United States.
It was the first steamship to be designed for passenger transport.
It was the first steamship to use a steam engine.

Correct Answer: It was the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah made a historic voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1819, becoming the first steamship to achieve this feat. This marked a significant milestone in the development of maritime transportation.

What was the SS Savannah’s contribution to the understanding of the challenges of early steam technology?

It demonstrated the need for more efficient engines.
It demonstrated the need for more reliable boilers.
It demonstrated the need for more durable hull materials.
It demonstrated the need for more experienced crew members.

Correct Answer: It demonstrated the need for more efficient engines.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s fuel consumption demonstrates the inefficiencies of early steam engines.

How did the SS Savannah’s journey contribute to the understanding of the importance of historical research?

It demonstrated the need for detailed historical records.
It demonstrated the need for multiple perspectives on historical events.
It demonstrated the need for comparative analysis of historical artifacts.
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The extensive research process emphasizes the need for comprehensive historical research in reconstructing past events and artifacts. The authors’ reliance on a variety of historical sources, including ship logs, customhouse records, and contemporary accounts, highlights the value of utilizing multiple perspectives. The comparison of the Savannah to other ships of the period, such as the Ohio, illustrates how comparative analysis can enhance understanding of a particular subject.

What is the name of the shipbuilder who designed the SS Savannah’s hull?

Daniel Dod
Stephen Vail
John Fitch
Not mentioned

Correct Answer: Not mentioned

Correct Answer Explanation: The shipbuilder who designed the SS Savannah’s hull is not mentioned in the provided text.

What was the length of each of the SS Savannah’s boilers?

15 feet
20 feet
27 feet
30 feet

Correct Answer: 27 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s boilers were each 27 feet long and 6 feet in diameter. This reveals the significant size and weight of the boilers, which added to the challenges of steam propulsion.

What was the main purpose of the SS Savannah’s voyage to Russia?

To deliver cargo
To showcase the ship’s steam-powered capabilities
To explore new trade routes
To escape from creditors

Correct Answer: To showcase the ship’s steam-powered capabilities

Correct Answer Explanation: The Savannah’s visit to St. Petersburg, Russia, brought international attention to the ship and its steam-powered capabilities, showcasing the potential of American innovation in the field of marine transportation.

What was the SS Savannah’s main contribution to the development of marine transportation?

It proved that steam power could be used for long-distance travel.
It established the first regular steamship route across the Atlantic.
It led to the immediate decline of sailing ships.
It led to the development of the first passenger liners.

Correct Answer: It proved that steam power could be used for long-distance travel.

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah’s successful transatlantic voyage, though financially unsuccessful, showcased the potential of steam power and helped to pave the way for future innovations in marine transportation.

What does the SS Savannah’s journey tell us about the role of innovation in history?

Innovation is always successful.
Innovation can lead to both successes and failures.
Innovation is only important in times of war.
Innovation is always expensive.

Correct Answer: Innovation can lead to both successes and failures.

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Savannah’s transatlantic voyage was a historic achievement, it was not a financial success. This highlights that innovation can sometimes lead to failures, but it is essential for progress.

Why is it important to study the SS Savannah and its journey?

It provides insights into the early days of steam navigation.
It helps us understand the challenges faced by early maritime innovators.
It highlights the importance of historical research.
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The SS Savannah, a pioneer of steam navigation, was a complex and innovative vessel. Despite her financial failures, the Savannah’s historic transatlantic voyage and subsequent voyage to Russia demonstrated the potential of steam power and contributed significantly to the development of maritime transportation. This ebook, through meticulous research and detailed analysis, provides a comprehensive understanding of the Savannah’s design, construction, and operation, offering valuable insights into the history of steam navigation and the challenges faced by early maritime innovators. The reader will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of early shipbuilding practices, the evolution of steam technology, and the impact of the Savannah on the development of transatlantic travel.

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