Transportation by Charles McW.

Development in transportation occurred quickly in the 19th century. Roads, steamboats, canals, and railroads all had a positive effect on the American economy. The United States became more diverse by the new availability to sell more products in new areas of the country and opening new markets. American roads were built and financed by private investors to imitate the infrastructure of England and France. Turnpikes were charged with the tolls for travel to generate funds for the private investors. Although tolls were found to be unprofitable, the turnpikes allowed for cheaper domestic transportation of goods.

Steamboats were the first economical means of inland transport. They were faster and cheaper than the rafts used before them. Steamboats made the northwest less self-dependent because of the new available goods offered from the south. Although steamboats sparked the economy of the west, canals were popular in the east.

Canals were an important source for farmers and merchants who needed a cheap method of inland transportation. Canals were both economical for exporters and for the state generating money from tolls. In the United States, navigable canals reached into isolated areas and brought them in touch with the world beyond. By 1825, the Erie Canal, 363 miles long, opened up a connection from the Northeast to the Great Lakes generating $7,000,000.

Even though it had not been fully expanded yet, the cheapest, most economical method of transportation was the railroad. Speed, durability, and safety all contributed to the success of it. During this time period, manufacturing also boomed. New ideas and inventions increased and improved manufacturing but it was the new modes of transporting raw materials and finished products that spurred the revolution.

The first commercial railroads began operating in the 1830’s. After 1830, the railroad or, as most Americans at that time said, the “Rail Way,” emerged as the most dramatic of the new technologies of transportation.The small locomotives of the 1830s, pulling a handful of cars over uneven track, could travel at fifteen to twenty miles an hour. This was twice as fast, over long distances, as anything Americans had previously experienced. By 1840, 3000 miles of railroad track had been laid down, most of it concentrated in the Northeast.

After 1830, the railroad or, as most Americans at that time said, the “Rail Way,” emerged as the most dramatic of the new technologies of transportation.The small locomotives of the 1830s, pulling a handful of cars over uneven track, could travel at fifteen to twenty miles an hour. This was twice as fast, over long distances, as anything Americans had previously experienced. By 1840, 3000 miles of railroad track had been laid down, most of it concentrated in the Northeast.

References:

Kelly,M. (n.d.). Overview of the industrial revolution, teh United States and the industrial revloution in the 19th century. Retrieved from http://americanhistory.about.com/od/industrialrev/a/indrevovereview.htm

Transportation in the 19th century. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.studyworld.com/newsite/reportessay/History/American%5CTransportation_In_the_19th_Century-32139.htm