When was the first steamboat launched on the Mississippi River?

The first successful steamboat launched on the Mississippi River was the "New Orleans," which made its maiden voyage in 1812. This steamboat was significant because it demonstrated the viability of steam-powered travel for navigation along the river, transforming commerce and transportation in the region. The introduction of steamboats opened new avenues for trade, allowing goods and people to move more efficiently between cities along the river. The historic impact of the steamboat cannot be overstated, as it sparked a revolution in river transportation and greatly influenced the economy of the Mississippi River Valley.

The other dates provided in the options relate to other events in steamboat development, but they do not mark the launch of the first steamboat on the Mississippi. The advancements in technology associated with steam propulsion during that period were critical for the growth and expansion of trade routes. Understanding these historical contexts is essential for grasping the significance of steamboat travel for New Orleans and the broader region.