Item Detail
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12475
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0
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0
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English
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A History of Steamboating on the Lower Missouri : 1838-1849, Saint Louis to Council Bluffs, Iowa Territory
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St. Louis, Missouri
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Saint Louis University
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Ph.D. diss.
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"This dissertation is a chronological study of commercial steamboating on the Lower Missouri River during the years 1838 through 1849. The study covers the era designated as the Heroic period and examines the transporting and supply of: the Santa Fe trade, the settlers of the Platte Purchase, the Oregon Trail emigrants, the U.S. Army in the Mexican War, the Mormon movement to Utah, and the emigration during the first year of the California Gold Rush. The primary mission of the steamboating industry was supplying merchandise to the settlers along the Missouri River, freighting their produce to the markets at Saint Louis, and providing passenger service both up and down the river. The Heroic period coincides with a major expansion of the Trans-Mississippian West which was marked by a great influx of settlers into interior Missouri. Each year is distinguished by added growth of Saint Louis and interior Missouri. With this development, increased demands were placed on the steamboats to service the Missouri Valley area. As a result, the number of steamboats as well as the number of completed trips increased annually. This study surveys the major events of each navigational season. Participating steamboats and many of the captains are identified along with the physical dimensions of numerous steamers. The experiences of noted travelers and historical persons on the Missouri River steamboats are related as a part of the contribution that the steamer made in the western movement. High drama frequently occurred on the Missouri River during the Heroic period and the steamboats played a major role on the stage of the river. Accidents happened all too often to the steamers but, in spite of navigational dangers, the officers and crews responded courageously. In most instances, they were able to prevail against the natural elements and physical hazards. The Heroic period was climaxed with the Great Fire at Saint Louis and the cholera which spread from that city onto the steamboats and into the Missouri Valley area. The underlying theme of this study is the participation of the steamboat in the settlement of the West as evidenced by the services provided to the frontier areas associated with the river." [Author's abstract]