How did steamboats change the way goods were transported?

Steamboats revolutionized the transportation of goods by enabling faster and more efficient movement along rivers and inland waterways. They facilitated trade by allowing larger quantities of cargo to be transported over longer distances, reducing reliance on slower, less reliable methods like horse-drawn wagons or flatboats. Additionally, steamboats could navigate upstream against strong currents, opening up new markets and routes for commerce. This shift contributed to economic growth and the expansion of the American frontier in the 19th century.