Other
Steamboating the Rivers
A detailed site providing information on the history of steamboats and many facts on this older form of transportation. Take a virtual tour and learn about some popular steamboats of the time.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Transportation in America Before 1876
In 1800, the United States was made up of 16 states, all east of the Appalachians, and most people lived within 50 miles of the Atlantic. Oceans and rivers were the nations' highways, providing the only viable way to travel long...
Other
Us Genealogy Network: Steamboating on the Mississippi
Use this site to learn factual information about the early days of steamboating on the Mississippi River and in St. Louis. You can also read an actual account from a steamboat Captain, view photos and listen to the song "Steamboat Bill."
Other
Forest Preserve District of Cook County (Illinois): River Steamboats
Information about the invention and development of steamboats as a mode of transportation.
University of California
The History Project: New Harmony an Experimental, Cooperative Community
The 1820s were a crucial period in our history. Much of the foundation of our modern industrial society was laid during this time. It was an era of optimism and prosperity, but also of social tensions and anxieties. The economy expanded...
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Paddlewheel Steamer
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 1989 to commemorate paddlewheel steamers, which revolutionized they way goods were shipped in the 19th century.
Kidport
Kidport Reference Library: Transportation During the Civil War
Here are photographs and short descriptions of the horses, wagons, bridges, railroads, and steamboats used for transportation in the Civil War.
Tennessee History For Kids
Tennessee History for Kids: Steamboats and the Trail of Tears
This website provides information about the roles of steamboats and the Trail of Tears in Tennessee history.
Other
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
This great site offers information about the Chesapeake Bay, its history, people and it's stories. "Tour" the museum to find interesting information.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Robert Fulton
Learn how the steamboat got its start at the hand of a curious and energetic inventor-Robert Fulton. (In Spanish)
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Mickey Mouse
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 2004 to commemorate Mickey Mouse's debut in "Steamboat Willie". With a short passage on Mickey's legendary 75 year history.
Other
Cincinnati Library: Reflections on the River: Tall Stacks
This site focuses on the Tall Stacks Music Arts and Heritage Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio. It offers information about the upcoming Tall Stacks and links to its history.
Archaeological Institute of America
Archaeology: Steam Machines
Information on the Civil War's naval confrontations and the impact of steamboats as used by the United States Navy during the war.
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Robert Fulton
One-page profile of influential innovator, Robert Fulton, whose vision and ideas created the world's first commercially successful steamboat service.
PBS
Pbs Who Made America? Henry Miller Schreve
This frontiersman helped people travel and trade in the nation's interior by opening up the only viable highways -- American rivers.
Curated OER
Steamboat
Traveling West was never easy! Here is a good description of the many ways people traveled. Of particular note is the paragraph on the steamboat crews.
Other
Eastland Disaster History
One of the worst steamboat disasters in American history occurred when the ship was docked. Here are the tragic details and photos of the Eastland.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Education: Spotlight Biography Inventors
This site provides information on American inventors Benjamin Franklin, Robert Fulton, Eli Whitney, Thomas Jefferson, Isaac Singer, Wilbur Wright, Thomas Alva Edison, Elias Howe, and Alexander Graham Bell. It offers pictures from and...
Curated OER
1928 Steamboat Willie (Movie)
This page gives background and other information about the first animated movie by Disney, SteamBoat Willie.
Curated OER
1928 Steamboat Willie (Movie)
This page gives background and other information about the first animated movie by Disney, SteamBoat Willie.
Curated OER
1928 Steamboat Willie (Movie)
This page gives background and other information about the first animated movie by Disney, SteamBoat Willie.
Other
Jefferson Historical Society: River to Rail
Although this site provides information on one town, Madison, IN; it is an absolute treasure trove of information on the development of the Midwest. Authors provide captivating historic photos and comprehensive narrative on the area...
Curated OER
Wikipedia: Natl Historic Landmarks in Kentucky: Belle of Louisville (Steamboat)
One of the last authentic steamboats in existence.
Curated OER
Wikipedia: Natl Historic Landmarks in Connecticut: Sabino (Passenger Steamboat)
One of only two surviving members of the American "mosquito fleet", small steamers that served the inland waters of the United States.