Hudson River Steamboats
Hudson River steamboats were developed by Robert Fulton in the 1800s and 1810s. Hudson River steamboats are unique in that they have two paddlewheels located in the center of the boat on either side. Which is why they are also called "sidewheel steamers." In contrast, Mississippi River steamboats have single, wide paddlewheel at the rear or stern of the boat.
New York led the world in the development of commercially viable steamboats and the Hudson River was a proving ground for new and improved engines and designs. Steamboats did not totally overtake Hudson River sloops in the 19th century in transportation, originally focusing primarily on the more lucrative passenger trade. Older steamboats in the 1840s began to transition to towing barges as larger passenger ships were developed.
The Hudson River Day Line dominated the Hudson River passenger trade by the early 20th century. Day Line traffic ended on the Hudson River in 1971 when the Hudson River Day Line was purchased by the Circle Line out of New York City. Passenger boat traffic to Bear Mountain ended completely in the 1980s.
New York led the world in the development of commercially viable steamboats and the Hudson River was a proving ground for new and improved engines and designs. Steamboats did not totally overtake Hudson River sloops in the 19th century in transportation, originally focusing primarily on the more lucrative passenger trade. Older steamboats in the 1840s began to transition to towing barges as larger passenger ships were developed.
The Hudson River Day Line dominated the Hudson River passenger trade by the early 20th century. Day Line traffic ended on the Hudson River in 1971 when the Hudson River Day Line was purchased by the Circle Line out of New York City. Passenger boat traffic to Bear Mountain ended completely in the 1980s.