How fast did the first steamboats go?

The first steamboats, developed in the early 19th century, typically traveled at speeds of about 3 to 5 miles per hour (4.8 to 8 kilometers per hour). The most famous early steamboat, the Clermont, launched by Robert Fulton in 1807, achieved speeds of around 5 miles per hour. Over time, advancements in technology allowed steamboats to reach higher speeds, but the initial designs were relatively slow compared to modern vessels.