steam boat

A steamboat is a type of boat that is powered by steam engines. It uses steam produced by boiling water to drive pistons or turbines, which propel the boat through the water. Steamboats were crucial in the 19th century for transportation and trade, especially on rivers like the Mississippi, as they could navigate shallow waters more effectively than larger ships. They played a significant role in the expansion of commerce and settlement in the United States and revolutionized travel, allowing for faster and more efficient movement of goods and people.