Before the 1800s, most boats were powered by oars, sails, or moving water. When thosepower sources were unavailable, boats could not travelIn 1787, John Fitch sailed the firststeamboat between...

Before the 1800s, most boats were powered by oars, sails, or moving water. When those power sources were unavailable, boats could not travel In 1787, John Fitch sailed the first steamboat between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Then, in 1807, Robert Fulton improved the. Steamboat and created the first successful steamboat business, sailing from New York City up and down the Hudson River. This diagram shows the engine and paddlewhel of a steamboat. To describe how the steamboat worked, place the following steps in order. Earlier ater expand ating pre: PR