paddle steamer

A paddle steamer is a type of boat that moves through the water using large paddles mounted on its sides or at the stern. These paddles are rotated by an engine, propelling the vessel forward or backward. The design was common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially on rivers and lakes, because it allowed for navigation in shallow waters and helped transport passengers and goods efficiently. Paddle steamers played a significant role in trade and transportation before modern engines and ships replaced them.