In the 1800s, Mississippi river transportation was an important mean of communication, transport and commerce. The rise of the Mississippian civilization along the Mississippi had a direct, tangible effect on the growth of the earliest American democratic and economic systems. From the 19th century onwards, transportation along the Mississippi has been further developed with an ever growing fleet of steamboats and barges – comprising some of the most iconic vessels in American history. Tracing the impact of the most successful of these vessels and their pioneering designs reveals an inspiring story of ingenuity, industry and exploration that continues to shape our understanding of rivers, waterways and transportation.
The steamboat era began on the Mississippi in 1811 when Colonel Robert Fulton and Robert Livingston, partners in Robert Fulton and Company, launched the first commercially successful steam-powered vessel, the New Orleans. The New Orleans would go on to be the first of many steamboats to ply the mighty Mississippi and its tributaries. She was 178 feet long and just under 37 feet wide – at this size, the New Orleans held between 25,000 and 50,000 tons of cargo – making her well suited to the long journey down the Mississippi towards New Orleans.
Steamboats remained the predominant form of transport on the Mississippi River into the late 19th century. With the invention of the steam engine, transportation along the Mississippi became much faster, significantly decreasing travel time and increasing the efficiency of travel and trade. The steamboats were powered by single-cylinder steam engines and were capable of speeds of up to five miles per hour. The most notable of the Mississippi steamboats were the sidewheelers, named for their enormous rudders that stuck out from the sides of the vessel. These stately vessels were capable of carrying hundreds of passengers and over 200 tons of cargo.
With economic opportunity increasing, the Mississippi served as a gateway to the West. The economies of many settlements along the Mississippi grew as businesses sprung up to take advantage of the increased transportation. By 1855, the number of steamboats navigating the Mississippi had increased to over one thousand – transporting goods between towns, cities and states with ease.
Steam Engines
Steamboats were powered by single-cylinder steam engines that were designed to run a motor connected to paddles by a gear train. Designed in the early 1800s, the steam engines were a revolutionary invention that provided unprecedented power and transportation. The powerful engines were capable of propelling steamboats over five miles per hour and allowed the massive vessels to navigate the powerful river currents.
The development of steam engines had an enormous influence on the Mississippi river transportation. The steam engine allowed smaller and cheaper boats to be built, as well as allowing steamboats to travel further and faster. This increase in speed and efficiency allowed the river transportation to become an invaluable part of the American economy, providing a vital link between states and cities.
Innovation and Improvements
The paddle wheel steamboat enjoyed a fairly brief reign of superiority, however the 1800s saw a number of improvements in the design that allowed steamboats to become even more efficient. The Newport style paddle wheel was primarily used because of its shallow draft, allowing the boat to navigate narrow rivers and tributaries. This style of paddle wheel was also more efficient as it used a greater amount of propulsion than other designs. In 1841, John Ericsson invented the screw propeller, which was made of iron and used the same principle of a turbine but was more efficient and easier to build.
The screw propeller propelled the boat ahead and allowed it to steer more efficiently, eliminating the enormous paddles on the sides of the boat. The screw propeller also made the boat faster, more maneuverable and more efficient. In addition, the paddle wheel was replaced by a stern wheel in some boats which allowed the boat to operate in shallower waters and with less draft.
The Impact of the Mississippi River Transportation
The rise of the Mississippi River transportation in the 1800s had a profound and lasting influence on the growth of America. The development of faster and better vessels allowed for the increased transportation of goods and people along the river, leading to the expansion of towns, cities and transportation hubs. The development of the steam engine led to faster, more efficient vessels that allowed for more reliable and efficient transportation of goods, spurring economic and industrial growth along the Mississippi.
The introduction of more efficient vessels also allowed for increased exploration and navigation of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, allowing for further development and expansion of the region. The river became a vital connection between the north and south as states and cities grew and became more connected. Without the pioneering vessels of the 1800s and the advancements brought by their designs, the Mississippi would have remained an isolated and stagnant region, rather than the thriving, influential river it has become.
Riverboats and Barges
In addition to the steamboats, the 19th century also saw the growth of large and more efficient riverboats and barges. The first of these vessels were constructed in the mid-1800s, and were large enough to traverse wide rivers and bays and carry large amounts of cargo, passengers and supplies. The majority of these vessels were wood and steel constructed and powered by large diesel engines.
The riverboats and barges allowed for the transport of a huge variety of products, from foodstuffs and livestock to timber and mineral resources. The vessels allowed the efficient movement of goods and people along the Mississippi and its tributaries, and contributed to the development of many of the cities and states along the waterway. By the early 20th century, riverboats and barges had become a common sight on the Mississippi, and continue to be used today.
Railroads and Other Transportation
The development of steamboats allowed for the efficient transport of people and goods along the Mississippi, however, in the 1800s, they lost their monopoly on rapid transportation as railroads expanded across the country. The railroads provided an even faster, more reliable solution to transportation, leaving steamboats in the dust. By the turn of the century, the railroads had become the dominant form of transportation, relegating steamboats and riverboats to a role more suitable for local transportation.
At the same time, the development of automobiles, trucks and other motorized vehicles began to change how goods and people were transported. In the early 20th century, motorized transportation began to emerge as the preferred method of transportation, allowing for increased speed and reliability when compared to steamboats and riverboats.
Modern River Transport
Today, river transport has seen a resurgence in popularity as many traditional forms of transportation become increasingly expensive and inefficient. River transport remains one of the most cost-effective and reliable forms of transportation on the Mississippi, and modern vessels are built to the same high standards as their predecessors. With advances in technology, such as GPS and digital navigation systems, river transport continues to be an important part of life on the Mississippi.
Large river freight vessels now combine the speed of a steamboat or riverboat with the reliability and efficiency of a modern cargo vessel. These vessels plying the rivers of the Mississippi and its tributaries provide a vital link between states and towns, transporting goods, supplies and passengers with ease. In addition, modern river transport has become more eco-friendly with the introduction of more efficient engines and alternative fuel sources, allowing for a more sustainable form of transportation.
Role in the American Economy
The Mississippi River has been at the forefront of American transportation for centuries, and today, its vessels still play a vital role in the American economy. By providing an efficient, reliable and cost-effective form of transportation, river transport has become an integral part of life in the Mississippi and its tributaries. Whether by steamboat, riverboat or barge, the vessels of the Mississippi continue to have an immense impact on the region and its economy, transporting goods, supplies and passengers between states and cities with ease.
Environmental Impact and Preservation
The development of river transport and the large vessels that utilize the Mississippi and its tributaries have also had an impact on the environment. As the amount of vessels has increased over the years, so too has the amount of pollution in the form of fuel and hazardous materials. As a result, organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have implemented regulations and standards to limit the amount of pollution created by vessels.
In addition, Clean Water Act regulations have been implemented to protect the river environment from harmful pollutants, ensuring the waters of the Mississippi remain clean and healthy. Furthermore, organizations such as the Mississippi River Commission focus on the preservation of the river and its tributaries, and work to maintain a healthy environment for the many creatures that call the river home.
Mississippi River Transportation in the Future
The Mississippi River has been the site of some of the most important transportation and trade developments in American history. From steamboats to barges and riverboats, the river and its vessels have had an immense impact on the development, growth and prosperity of the region. With technological advances, sustainable and efficient forms of transportation and increased regulations, the Mississippi River remains an important part of the American economy, and is sure to continue to be so for the foreseeable future.
