I have no doubt but that my engines will propel boats against the current of the Mississippi, and wagons on turnpike roads, with great profit.
- Oliver Evans - 1804
The development of steamships was not an easy task. Developing steamships broke many barriers, including making the steam engine more efficient, creating a hull that would reduce drag, and reducing weight. One more barrier that was broken was the public's fear of change. People didn't trust these new technologies compared to older, more reliable sail-powered vessels.
 The steamship Florida - 2014 |
The creation of steam engines to suit oceangoing steamships was incredibly difficult because steam power was an unknown frontier. Designers of these new concepts broke barriers in their development of this technology. These technologies paved the way for the replacement of obsolescent sail-powered vessels whose movements were guided by the random winds.
The 19th century steamship, the USS Bienville -2015
https://americancivilwar.com/tcwn/civil_war/Navy_Ships/USS_Bienville.html
The development of steamships inspired new industrial practices. These new practices broke barriers in the field of ship-building because ships could be built faster. Steamships were faster, more useful, and much more efficient than other contemporary wooden ships that they replaced.
Image of Battle of Hampton Roads - 2015
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-hampton-roads
Monitor and Virginia - 2017
https://www.history.com/news/when-ironclads-clashed-how-hampton-roads-changed-naval-warfare-forever
Steamship Influence