This reference work surveys the rise of steam in American waters, detailing ships, engines, routes, and the people who built and operated them. Rich with era‑defining milestones, it blends technical description with vivid scenes from early steam travel.

This edition compiles a broad spectrum of vessels, pivotal lines, and the evolution of propulsion, including how engineers solved design challenges and how railroads eventually integrated with steam navigation. It offers a chronological portrait of the industry, from early experiments to the mature network that connected major ports and inland waterways.

Explore key ships, builders, and technological advances that shaped steam navigation
Learn how engines, beam setups, and boiler pressure influenced performance
See how routes, companies, and mergers transformed coastwise and river services
Discover notable accidents, reforms, and the people behind the era

Ideal for readers interested in maritime history, industrial technology, and the development of American transportation networks across water and rail.

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