State Bar of Texas
Gibbons v. Ogden
Have you ever played the game Monopoly? Do you know what it takes to win the game correctly? Scholars research the nature of outlawing monopolies in the United States while controlling trade. They investigate the court case Gibbons v....
K5 Learning
Robert Fulton – Steamboat Inventor
Examine the life of steamboat inventor, Robert Fulton, through reading comprehension worksheet that includes both multiple choice and short answer questions. Then, take part in a word search and write definitions, words, and sentences...
Curated OER
Ann Arbor Growth & Immigration
Third graders describe some of the factors that brought early settlers to Ann Arbor. They read Narrative-A Trip from Utica, New York, to Ingham County, Michigan in 1838. As an added challenge, 3rd graders can use maps to track Silas...
Curated OER
Early 19c Industrialization in America: The Market Revolution
Posing a question about the effects of American Industrialization, this presentation provides viewers with a comprehensive look at the 19th century. From the "Lowell Girls" to the Iron Horse, these slides would be an excellent supplement...
Curated OER
Town Growth and Immigration
Fourth graders describe how Michigan has changed and stayed the same over time. They explain reasons why people settled/settle in Michigan, then explain the role of geography on the settlement of Michigan.
Curated OER
Inventor's Challenge Review
For this science worksheet, students match each invention or device to its inventor listed on the right. There are 32 inventors listed and some may be used twice. Then they order the items in each group from oldest to newest and state...
Curated OER
Influential Inventions
In this inventions worksheet, learners write the description and impact of 4 influential inventions. Students do this for the cotton gin, the reaper, the steamboat, and the steam locomotive.
Curated OER
Place and Date
In this social studies worksheet about the past, students use information from a web site to write a caption, place, and date for each of 9 photographs given. Then they describe some of the changes that have occurred in transportation...
Curated OER
John Fitch: Pioneer Steamboat Inventor
Students explore the transportation revolution brought about through the use of steam power to move boats over water. They practice note taking skills by taking notes from an article.
Curated OER
Interpreting Photographs
Students examine photographs and complete research on river transportation. They describe the beginnings and innovations of the steamboats. Students research the development of trade from the 1700s through the 1800s. They write a...
Curated OER
Westward Expansion
Students examine how the events that took place during the time of the Westward Expansion affected the pioneers and Native Americans through the seven lessons of this unit. Enhancements in transportation over time are also a part of the...
Other
Jefferson Historical Society: River to Rail
Although this site provides information on one town, Madison, IN; it is an absolute treasure trove of information on the development of the Midwest. Authors provide captivating historic photos and comprehensive narrative on the area...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Steamboat Indiana's Last Voyage
The 'Indiana' steamboat sank in Lake Erie in the mid-1800's. The story of the ship is told through artifacts and maps.
Other
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
This great site offers information about the Chesapeake Bay, its history, people and it's stories. "Tour" the museum to find interesting information.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Transportation in America Before 1876
In 1800, the United States was made up of 16 states, all east of the Appalachians, and most people lived within 50 miles of the Atlantic. Oceans and rivers were the nations' highways, providing the only viable way to travel long...
Digital History
Digital History: The Sections [Pdf]
Soon after the end of the Revolutionary War, the characteristics of the various parts of the new United States established themselves. Find out about the sectionalism, economy, and needs in the country in the early 1800s--the...
State Library of North Carolina
N Cpedia: Steamboats
In North Carolina, the concept of travel by steamboat was first introduced in 1815, when Archibald D. Murphey chaired a legislative committee on inland navigation. The first steamboat entered the state in 1818 when the New Bern Steamboat...
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Robert Fulton
One-page profile of influential innovator, Robert Fulton, whose vision and ideas created the world's first commercially successful steamboat service.
PBS
Pbs Who Made America? Henry Miller Schreve
This frontiersman helped people travel and trade in the nation's interior by opening up the only viable highways -- American rivers.
Other
Steamboat Whistles
This article presents information about steamboat whistles and their meanings. A link is provided for listening to recordings of steamboat whistles.
Tennessee History For Kids
Tennessee History for Kids: Steamboats and the Trail of Tears
This website provides information about the roles of steamboats and the Trail of Tears in Tennessee history.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: Wake Up, America: New Modes of Transport in 19th Century America [Pdf]
A lesson plan from the producers of the 16-episode PBS series "Freedom: A History of US" that examines how new technology and scientific advances of the nineteenth century changed America. Includes ideas for directing students through a...
Archaeological Institute of America
Archaeology: Steam Machines
Information on the Civil War's naval confrontations and the impact of steamboats as used by the United States Navy during the war.
Other
Landmark Cases: Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
A complete resource for teachers to use when teaching about this Supreme Court case. There is a background summary, excerpts of opinions and teacher directed activities to use after studying the case.