Final answer:
Major cities and towns in the 18th century United States were typically located near waterways to support transport and industrial needs through river networks and water power, particularly before the widespread use of the steam engine. The correct option is (F).
Step-by-step explanation:
Most major cities and towns in the United States during the 18th century were located near waterways.
This is because, prior to advances like the steam engine, factories and industrial operations required close proximity to rivers and seaports for the transport of goods and for water power.
The growth of urban populations and the rise of industrialization largely coincided with the need to settle near these water sources.
As factories were initially dependent on water power and river transport, the cold winters could halt production and transportation, but the development of steam power eventually alleviated some of these geographic constraints.
Even so, the early industrialization period saw a concentration of growth in northeastern cities such as Philadelphia and New York, which had access to abundant river networks and seaports.