Steamboats were once a common sight on the Mississippi River in the 19th century.

Steamboats transformed trade and transportation on the Mississippi River in the 19th century and became iconic vessels. These boats, which were propelled by steam engines, made it possible for people to travel and transport commodities between urban and rural locations in an effective manner. Because they connected markets and communities, steamboats were essential to the economy. They also sparked a thriving cultural legacy that is evident in literature, music, and folklore, underscoring the Mississippi River's pivotal role in forming American culture during this time.