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 paddles 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, allowing goods and people to move more quickly and efficiently. Famous steamboats, like the SS Natchez, played significant roles in the development of river towns and the economy during this period.