Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Steamboat Indiana's Last Voyage
The 'Indiana' steamboat sank in Lake Erie in the mid-1800's. The story of the ship is told through artifacts and maps.
Other
Virtual Online Steamboat Museum: Steamboat Museum
This resource was created to help save the Delta Queen, the magnificent steamboat that still makes her way up and down the rivers. There are hundreds of photos and stories, collections, and research links available to the steamboat...
State Library of North Carolina
N Cpedia: Steamboats
In North Carolina, the concept of travel by steamboat was first introduced in 1815, when Archibald D. Murphey chaired a legislative committee on inland navigation. The first steamboat entered the state in 1818 when the New Bern Steamboat...
Other
Steamboat Whistles
This article presents information about steamboat whistles and their meanings. A link is provided for listening to recordings of steamboat whistles.
Other
Arabia Steamboat Story
The story of the Arabia is tragic; however, the adventure of the rediscovery of the steamboat is fascinating. Take a glimpse back in time at the cargo brought back to life: French perfume, guns, bottles, buttons, and bells; all items...
Other
Steamboating the Rivers
A detailed site providing information on the history of steamboats and many facts on this older form of transportation. Take a virtual tour and learn about some popular steamboats of the time.
Other
Montana History and Prehistory: Steamboating on the Missouri River
Traveling West was never easy! Here is a good description of the many ways people traveled. Of particular note is the paragraph on the steamboat crews.
Other
Us Genealogy Network: Steamboating on the Mississippi
Use this site to learn factual information about the early days of steamboating on the Mississippi River and in St. Louis. You can also read an actual account from a steamboat Captain, view photos and listen to the song "Steamboat Bill."
Other
Forest Preserve District of Cook County (Illinois): River Steamboats
Information about the invention and development of steamboats as a mode of transportation.
Tennessee History For Kids
Tennessee History for Kids: Steamboats and the Trail of Tears
This website provides information about the roles of steamboats and the Trail of Tears in Tennessee history.
Archaeological Institute of America
Archaeology: Steam Machines
Information on the Civil War's naval confrontations and the impact of steamboats as used by the United States Navy during the war.
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Robert Fulton
One-page profile of influential innovator, Robert Fulton, whose vision and ideas created the world's first commercially successful steamboat service.
Read Works
Read Works: Steamboats and Railroads
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about transportation changes. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Robert Fulton
This website contains biographical information about Robert Fulton, including the events leading up to his design of the first successful steamboat.
Wisconsin Historical Society
Wisconsin Historical Society: h.h. Bennett: Photographer Extraordinaire
This wonderful photographer provided us with images of his beloved Wisconsin's rugged landscape as well as Ho-Chunk residents, steamboats, and more.
Other
Eastland Disaster History
One of the worst steamboat disasters in American history occurred when the ship was docked. Here are the tragic details and photos of the Eastland.
Read Works
Read Works: People Who Built America: Vanderbilt
[Free Registration/Login Required] This passage is about Cornelius Vanderbilt, who helped to build America by providing transportation via railroads and steamboats so that America could expand.
Curated OER
1928 Steamboat Willie (Movie)
This page gives background and other information about the first animated movie by Disney, SteamBoat Willie.
Curated OER
1928 Steamboat Willie (Movie)
This page gives background and other information about the first animated movie by Disney, SteamBoat Willie.
Curated OER
1928 Steamboat Willie (Movie)
This page gives background and other information about the first animated movie by Disney, SteamBoat Willie.
Other
Jefferson Historical Society: River to Rail
Although this site provides information on one town, Madison, IN; it is an absolute treasure trove of information on the development of the Midwest. Authors provide captivating historic photos and comprehensive narrative on the area...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Transportation in America Before 1876
In 1800, the United States was made up of 16 states, all east of the Appalachians, and most people lived within 50 miles of the Atlantic. Oceans and rivers were the nations' highways, providing the only viable way to travel long...
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Robert Fulton
Learn how the steamboat got its start at the hand of a curious and energetic inventor-Robert Fulton. (In Spanish)
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: No. 1338: The Last Masts
Read about the history of the steamboat and the difficult transition that led to the eventual relinquishing of a ship's sails. This article is a transcript of a radio broadcast.