What were the first steamboats on the upper Missouri River known for?

The first steamboats on the upper Missouri River were known for revolutionizing transportation and trade in the region, and they are most accurately identified through the specific terminology of being the "First Steamboats on the Upper-Missouri." These vessels marked a significant technological advancement over the flatboats and canoes that had previously dominated river travel. Their introduction enabled more efficient movement of goods and people, accessing remote areas that were otherwise difficult to reach.

The impact of these steamboats was profound as they facilitated the expansion of trade routes and made it possible to transport heavier cargoes upstream against the river's current. This capability helped to stimulate economic growth and set the stage for the development of communities along the river. Thus, identifying them as the first steamboats underscores their uniqueness and importance in the context of North Dakota's history and the broader narrative of westward expansion in the United States.