Which of the following was the first United States submarine?

The first United States submarine is widely recognized as the Turtle, which was designed and built by David Bushnell in the late 18th century during the American Revolutionary War. The Turtle was a one-man vessel that was used primarily for an attack on British ships. Its innovative design included a hand-cranked propeller, making it a pioneering example of submarine technology.

In contrast, the Nautilus was the first nuclear-powered submarine launched in 1954, representing a significant technological advancement but coming much later in history. The Gato class was a successful World War II submarine design, and the Vista does not refer to a known submarine class or specific vessel in U.S. naval history.

Understanding the historical context of the Turtle is crucial, as it set the stage for the development of submarine technology in the U.S. Navy, even if later submarines surpassed its capabilities. This illustrates the progression and evolution of submarine warfare technology over the centuries.