How did the steam engine improve travel on rivers and canals?

1 Answer
Nov 28, 2017

One way was allowing travel up river

Explanation:

Before the steam driven stern wheelers shipping mainly went down the Mississippi River. Farmers would build rafts and float them down river sell the produce and raft down river. Then they would walk the Natchez trail back. To go up river pole boats would have to stay close to shore, and work their way slowly up stream.

Steam engines allowed boats to move up river against the current.
Goods could be brought upstream allowing commerce in both directions. The farmers could more easily get their produce downstream and didn't have to use rafts that had to be disposed of at the end of the journey. The Natchez trace died as no one had to walk home. Only the robbers and thieves regretted the loss of the Trace.

The steam engine made travel up river and down river in the same boat possible. This made commerce much easier.