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In 1811, the New Orleans was the first steamboat launched on the Mississippi. Soon, steamboats were going 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. They floated high in the water. So, they didn’t get stuck when the water level was low. Most steamboats were just for work. They were built to move goods and people. But some of them were built for passengers who wanted to live it up.
Landing Stages
These were used for loading and unloading. They were tied to the shore with ropes. Since these “docks” were actually part of the boat, a pilot could land anywhere along the river.
Calliope
Most steamboats had calliopes. These were organlike instruments made up of steam-powered whistles. When a key was pressed, the whistle released steam and made a high-pitched note. Calliopes entertained the passengers and those waiting to board. A calliope could be heard half a mile away!
Stacks
A steamboat’s tall stacks made it easy for people who were waiting to see it coming. Some stacks could be lowered. This let the boats pass under bridges.
Steam Whistle
The whistles were powered by steam. Pilots used them to let people know the boat was near. Boats often had three or more whistles, each with a different sound.
Pilot House
This was the pilot’s control room. It gave him a wide view of what lay ahead. He had to be on the lookout for sunken trees, sandbanks, boats, and other dangers. The pilot could talk to the engine room through speaking tubes. He used pedals to work the ship’s whistles.
Boiler
Wood was burned to boil water, which produced steam. The steam was then piped to the engine.
Passenger Decks
Most people rode on the main deck. Cabin decks might be filled with fancy rooms and restaurants. Some steamboats even had entertainment for their passengers. Gambling was popular.
Steam Engine
The engine’s pistons were powered by steam from the boiler. They made the paddle wheel turn. The more steam pressure the engineer released, the faster the wheel would turn. Faster wheel, faster boat!
Paddle Wheel
Most large passenger boats were side-wheelers, with a huge paddle wheel on each side. Stern-wheelers had a single paddle wheel at the rear of the boat. Stern-wheelers were usually smaller than side-wheelers.
I am so indolent [lazy], and all forms of study are so hateful to me, that although I was several years constantly on steamboats, I never learned all the parts of the steamboat.—Mark Twain
▲ Steamboat Races
Steamboat races were exciting. The most famous one was in 1870. That’s when the Robert E. Lee and the Natchez raced from New Orleans to St. Louis. The Robert E. Lee made the 750-mile trip in just 3 days, 18 hours. It landed 6 hours and 36 minutes ahead of the Natchez. When steamboats moved so fast, accidents were likely to happen. Steam pressure could make the engines explode!
“Ol’ Man River,
Dat Ol’ Man River,
He mus’ know sumpin’,
But don’t say nuthin’,
He jes’ keeps rollin’,
He keeps on rollin’ along.”
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Music by Jerome Kern
From Show Boat, 1927
