John Ericsson, the USS Monitor, and Me

What does it take for an immigrant inventor to change the course of history? In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of John Ericsson, the Swedish engineer who arrived in America virtually unknown and became one of the nation's most celebrated innovators. Best remembered as the designer of the revolutionary ironclad USS Monitor, Ericsson helped transform naval warfare during the American Civil War and played a pivotal role in one of history's most famous naval battles. But Ericsson's story extends far beyond the Monitor. From surveying Sweden's Göta Canal as a teenager to building locomotives in England, pioneering the screw propeller, surviving professional setbacks, and battling skeptics throughout his career, Ericsson was a brilliant, stubborn, and relentless inventor whose ideas were often years ahead of their time. Combining personal travel experiences, historical research, and interviews with experts at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and walking the deck of a full-scale replica of the USS Monitor, this episode uncovers the fascinating life, achievements, and enduring legacy of the man whose inventions changed the world. See also Extras for John Ericsson, the USS Monitor and Me episode. The episode transcript is Transcript for John Ericsson, The Monitor, and Me.