A propeller steamer is a steam-powered vessel propelled by a screw propeller, rather than paddle wheels. This innovation, introduced in the mid-19th century, revolutionized ship design by offering greater speed, efficiency, and maneuverability compared to earlier paddle steamers.
Key Features:
• Propulsion: Uses steam engines to drive a rotating screw propeller located at the stern.
• Design: Typically has a streamlined hull for efficient movement through water.
• Common Uses: Freight, passenger transport, and military service.
• Significance on the Great Lakes: Propeller steamers dominated Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, moving cargo like grain, coal, and iron ore.