The year is 1850, and steamboats have transformed journeys that used to take days in to hours-long trips. But dangers remain: every year, dozens of riverboat accidents claim hundreds of American lives. You need to visit your aunt in Louisville, Kentucky - would you travel by steamboat to get there? Consider these different opinions before making your decision.
Absolutely! Steamboats are safe enough - and the risk is worth it to get to my aunt in a few hours. Sure, there are occasional accidents, but most steamboats reach their destinations without any problems at all.
As a reporter, I've seen explosions so huge the whole river seemed to be on fire. Because they carry barrels of coal oil, whiskey, and other combustible things, steamboats are like tinderboxes waiting to blow. I'm surprised there aren't even more casualties than we've seen so far.
Hmmm, the stagecoach costs 10-15 cents per mile, and a small room on a steamboat costs 25 cents per mile. I'll go the cheaper, safer (and longer) route!
