The latter half of the 19th century and first decade of the 20th was a time of great technological advancement. New discoveries and inventions in many fields were made. Notably, advances were made in the transportation industry, and more specifically, the dawn of the steamship industry.

Modern steam engines can be dated back to the end of the 1600's, though their origins are from around 200 AD. They were first widely used in pumps and later as the power plant for train engines. These locomotives sparked the beginning of the industrial revolution in America. Trains steamed across the states, carrying people and supplies to and from various destinations around the country.

Paddlewheel steamboats began to spring up along the Mississippi River as modes of transportation (Encarta Online). However, it was not until 1819 that the first ship meant for transatlantic travel was built. This American vessel was the Savannah...