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The introduction of the steamboat in the late 1700's revolutionized river travel and trade. The carried people and goods from one place to another.
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Two of the biggest disadvantages of steamboat travel were Indian attacks and boiler explosions. Boiler explosions were more of a concern because pressure could build up in the boiler and cause deadly explosions.
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Steamboats were beginning to get some competition from railroads. Although, there were only about 23 miles of tracks in the United States, therefore, they did not completely replace steamboats at this time.
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By this time, railroads were dominating and were taking away just about all of the steamboats' business. People preferred this way over travel over steamboats because they were faster, they could travel any time of year, they could go anywhere, and they could be built quickly.
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Steamboats were officially no longer the way of travel. Railroads was were it was at. They provided year-round service and were much safer than the dangerous steamboats.
