Packet Boats

Packet boats are vessels designed for regular, scheduled transport of passengers and cargo along rivers, canals, or coastal routes. They emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as a reliable mode of travel and freight delivery. These boats operated on fixed timetables, connecting towns and cities, similar to today’s buses or trains. Their efficiency and regularity made them crucial in expanding trade and communication during that era. Packet boats contributed to the development of modern transportation networks, facilitating the movement of goods and people before the advent of railways and motor vehicles.