What were flatboats used for?

Flatboats were primarily used for transporting goods and people on rivers and inland waterways during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Their flat-bottomed design allowed them to navigate shallow waters and carry large cargo, including agricultural products, timber, and livestock. After reaching their destination, flatboats were often disassembled for lumber or left to float downriver, as they were typically not designed for return journeys. They played a crucial role in the expansion of trade and settlement in the American frontier.