Between 1750-1850, transportation in America underwent a revolution led by inventors like James Watt and innovators of river boats and canals. Watt's improved steam engine in 1769 kicked off widespread use of steamboats, beginning with John Fitch's successful run in 1787. Robert Fulton furthered this progress by launching commercial passenger and freight services. Canals like the Erie Canal connected the eastern U.S. to expanding western settlements, allowing efficient transport of people and goods. Road building projects like the National Road attempted to connect the coasts over land but posed greater challenges than river and canal transportation. Overall, innovations in steam engines, river boats, and infrastructure like canals and roads transformed transportation