Surveys the life and accomplishments of American inventor and mechanic, Robert Fulton, who is best known for building the first successful steamboat.

Voyage of the North River -- Early childhood -- A rebellious spirit -- Young inventor -- An artistic young man -- New adventures -- Life-threatening illness -- Voyage to Europe -- A new life in England -- From artist to inventor -- Focus on canals -- Dabbling with steam engines -- A mechanical excavator -- Fulton as author -- Decision to leave England -- Paris -- "A curious machine for mending politics" -- The first submarine -- The Nautilus -- A miniature submarine -- From hope to despair -- The first panorama in Paris -- A machine for making rope -- Renewed focus on submarines -- Test on the Seine -- Taking on the British -- The end of the line -- An important meeting -- Early steamboat experiments -- The partnership -- From disaster to triumph -- Remarkable turn of events -- Back in England -- Full steam ahead -- Romantic notions -- Commercial steamboat operation -- Expanding the fleet -- Continued fascination with weaponry -- Bittersweet year -- A steam-powered warship -- Winter tragedy -- Fulton's legacy.