<P> With the steamboat came the need for an improved river system . The natural river system had features that either wasn't compatible with steamboat travel or was only available during certain months when rivers were higher . Some obstacles included rapids, sand bars, shallow waters and waterfalls . To overcome these natural obstacles, a network of canals, locks and dams were constructed . This increased demand for labor spurred tremendous job growth along the rivers . </P> <P> The economic benefits of the steamboat extended far beyond the construction of the ships themselves, and the goods they transported . These ships led directly to growth in the coal and insurance industries, along with creating demand for repair facilities along the rivers . Additionally the demand for goods in general increased as the steamboat made transport to new destinations both wide reaching and efficient . </P> <P> After the first steamboat was invented and achieved a number of successful trials, it was quickly adopted and led to an even quicker change in the way of water transport . In 1814, the city of New Orleans recorded 21 steamboat arrivals, but over the course of the following 20 years that number exploded to more than 1200 . The steamboat's role as a major transportation source was secured . The transport sector saw enormous growth following the steam engine's application, leading to major innovations in canals, steamboats, and railroads . The steamboat and canal system revolutionized trade of the United States . As the steamboats gained popularity, enthusiasm grew for the building of canals . In 1816, the US had only 100 miles of canals . This needed to change, however, as the potential increase in traded goods from east to west convinced many that canals were a necessary connection between the Mississippi - Ohio waterways with the Great Lakes . </P> <P> The use of steam engines on railroads proved to be extraordinary in the fact that now you could have large amounts of goods and raw materials delivered to cities and factories alike . Trains could deliver these to places far away at a fraction of the cost traveling by wagon . Railroad tracks, which were already in use in mines and various other situations, became the new means of transportation after the first locomotive was invented . </P>

What effect did the steam engine have on the coal & iron industry