Steamboats and Ice: Pioneering American Commerce

This chapter examines the evolution of steamboat technology and its vibrant impact on commerce in America, particularly through the lens of key figures like Gibbons and Ogden. It also explores the transformative journey of Samuel Clemens as a steamboat pilot and the bustling life surrounding steamboat culture. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the emergence of the ice trade as a significant economic force, detailing its innovative practices and influence on various industries, illustrating the interconnectedness of these developments in shaping American history.