Whale's Steamboats
Set sail with Whale!
HISTORY
During the last half of the 19th century, steamboats were the primary form of transporting passengers and cargo on the Missouri River. The steamboat was one of the first boats made to move against the river current. Previously, people had floated downstream with the river current on flatboats and keelboats. The first steamboat to reach the upper Missouri was in 1832. This steamboat was nicknamed "Yellowstone," and was from the American Fur Company.
"Yellowstone" steamboat
The picture depicts the famous "Yellowstone" reaching the upper Missouri in 1832.
Keelboat
Before steamboats, passengers used boats similar to the one above to travel on the river with the current.
Flatboat
In addition to keelboats, flatboats were also used to travel on the river with the current before the steamboat was invented.
ADVANTAGES
There are many advantages to riding Whale's steamboats. First of all, you can travel upstream at any time. Second, it is guaranteed to be a comfortable ride, with the new design and a luxurious cabin. Third, it is safer than other types of transportation on the water. The steamboat can also carry cargo in addition to passengers, making your everyday trading and shipping less of a hassle. Steamboats are also obviously preferred to crossing the river on foot. Finally, Whale's Steamboats will make get you or your merchandise to your destination quicker than any other form of transportation.
Steamboat Cabin
The picture above shows the type of cabins that are inside Whale's Steamboats.
DISADVANTAGES
Although the advantages of the steamboat greatly outweigh the disadvantages, there are a few risks being taken choosing to operate with Whale's Steamboats. First of all, there is always the chance that the steamboat could snag on an obstacle, catch fire, or collide with another craft, though these occurrences are rare. Due to the steam powered engines, the boiler in the ship must work to make steam, once in a while causing too much pressure to build up, causing the ship to blow up. Critics also state that steamboat travel is too expensive, but at Whale's Steamboats, we believe the price is well worth the safe trip, luxury, and service.
INVENTORS
James Watt was the first to patent the steamboat in 1769. In 1787, John Fitch was the first to construct a steamboat in the United States. He built a forty-five foot steamboat that started it's trip on the Delaware River on August 22, 1787. Fitch later built a larger vessel that carried passengers from Philadelphia to Burlington, New Jersey. Robert Fulton later turned his attention to the steamboat in the early 1800's, after creating and operating a successful submarine. He is accredited with turning the steamboat into a commercial success. His first steamboat, called the Clermont, made it's first journey from New York City to Albany. By 1814, Fulton had partnered with Edward Livingston and together were offering steamboat and freight service.
IMPORTANCE TO NORTH DAKOTA
The steamboat had an enormous impact on North Dakota. The prospect of cheaper and quicker river transportation drew thousands of settlers to North Dakota. Many communities began forming, particularly along the Red River. The steamboat brought thousands of passengers to North Dakota, as well as millions of pounds of cargo up and down the river. The steamboat created a new industry in North Dakota, affecting the economy.
The Importance to Settling in the West
The steamboat brought many new settlers Westward. It also brought thousands of pounds of cargo to the West. It created new jobs and industry, impacting the economy of the "Wild West." The steamboat was not the most effective way in bringing settlers to the West, but it definitely played a large part in settlement in the West.
The Steamboat - History Key Assignment - February 2014
CONTACT US!
Business Number: 1(701)-385-9846
Email: whalessteamboats@gmail.com
Twitter: @whaleboats
Facebook: Whale's Steamboats