What is the steamboat era?

The steamboat era refers to the period in the 19th century, particularly from the 1820s to the 1860s, when steamboats became a dominant mode of transportation on America's rivers and lakes. This innovation, largely attributed to Robert Fulton and his successful steamboat in 1807, revolutionized trade and travel, facilitating the movement of goods and people. Steamboats played a crucial role in the economic development of the United States, especially in regions like the Mississippi River, and contributed to westward expansion. The era gradually declined with the advent of railroads and advancements in other transportation technologies.