Final answer:
Steamboats were able to travel on more rivers than other boats.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steamboats had a significant impact on transportation in the United States from 1815 through 1860, dominating the transportation of goods and passengers on rivers. They were able to navigate the extensive network of navigable rivers in the country, including the Mississippi River and its tributaries, allowing for transportation to many parts of the central United States.