What mode of transportation was invented by Robert Fulton in 1807?

Robert Fulton is credited with the invention of the steamboat in 1807, which revolutionized transportation on water. Fulton's successful demonstration of the steamboat, known as the Clermont, marked the beginning of a new era in maritime transport. This vessel utilized steam power to navigate rivers and lakes efficiently, drastically reducing travel time and increasing the capacity for transporting goods and passengers compared to traditional sailing ships.

The invention of the steamboat not only expanded trade routes but also facilitated the movement of people across waterways, contributing significantly to the economic development of regions along rivers such as the Hudson and the Mississippi. It laid the groundwork for later advancements in steam-powered transportation, including railroads.

While other options such as the sailing ship and the steam engine were significant in their own right, they do not specifically reflect Fulton’s groundbreaking contribution to transportation. The railway train, though pivotal in the development of land transportation, came later and was not directly linked to Fulton. Thus, the steamboat stands out as Fulton's notable achievement in 1807, marking a substantial advancement in transportation technology.