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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 travel from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Louisville, Kentucky—around 600 miles. In 1827, it took just ten days. Steamboats were ideally suited to river travel because they rode high in the water and didn’t run aground when water level was low. Most steamboats were simple workhorses designed to transport goods and passengers, but life on some was luxurious.
Landing Stages
Used for loading and unloading, landing stages were moored to the shore with ropes. Since these “docks” were part of the boat, a pilot could land anywhere along the river.
Calliope
Most steamboats had calliopes, which were organlike instruments that consisted of steam-powered whistles. When the operator pressed a key, the whistle released steam, which created a high-pitched note. Calliopes entertained the steamboat’s passengers and those waiting to board. A calliope could be heard half a mile away!
Stacks
A steamboat’s tall stacks made it visible to people waiting to board upriver or downriver. Some stacks could be lowered, making it possible for the boats to pass under bridges.
Steam Whistle
Pilots used whistles that were powered by steam to announce the boat’s presence. Boats often had three or more whistles, each with a distinct sound.
Pilot House
The pilot’s command center afforded a sweeping view of what lay ahead—sunken trees, sandbanks, oncoming boats, and other dangers. The pilot could talk to the engine room through speaking tubes. Pedals allowed him to activate the ship’s whistles.
Boiler
Wood was burned to boil water, which produced steam, which was then piped to the engine.
Passenger Decks
Most people rode on the main deck. Cabin decks might be lined with luxurious rooms and restaurants, and some steamboats even offered entertainment, including gambling.
Steam Engine
Here’s how the engine worked: Powered by steam from the boiler, the engine’s pistons caused the paddle wheel to rotate. The more steam pressure the engineer released, the faster the paddle wheel would turn, and the faster the boat would travel.
Paddle Wheel
Most large passenger boats were side-wheelers, with a huge paddle wheel on each side. Stern-wheelers, with a single paddle wheel at the rear, 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 an exciting attraction on the Mississippi. The most famous one took place in 1870, 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—6 hours and 36 minutes ahead of the Natchez. When steamboats moved so rapidly, disasters 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
