In 1811, the New Orleans was the first steamboat launched on the Mississippi. Soon, steamboats were traveling up and down the river at faster and faster speeds.
In 1817, it took 25 days for a steamboat to go from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Louisville, Kentucky. That’s around 600 miles. In 1827, it only took ten days. Steamboats were perfect for river travel because they rode high in the water. They didn’t run aground when the water level was low. Most steamboats were workhorses designed to transport goods and passengers, but some offered luxury.
