A steamboat is a type of boat that is powered by steam engines. These engines use steam generated from boiling water to create pressure, which drives the boat's paddle wheels or propellers. Steamboats were commonly used in the 19th century for transportation and trade along rivers, especially in the United States. The invention of the steamboat revolutionized travel and commerce, making it faster and more efficient. Notable figures like Robert Fulton played a significant role in developing the first successful steamboat, the Clermont, which began service in 1807. Steamboats contributed to the expansion of trade routes and the settlement of new areas.