In advance of the advent of steam powered vessels in the early 19th century and continuing through the middle of the century, flatboats were the primary means to transport goods and passengers from the upper reaches of the Mississippi River and its tributaries principally to New Orleans. Despite the decline in flatboat traffic in favor of steamship and railroad transport starting around mid-century, flatboats continued to ply the waters of the Mississippi River and its tributaries until the late 19th century . Flatboats of yesteryear were much like the semi-tractor trailers of today but traveling on the principal highways of that day- rivers. Such craft were principally powered by the river currents and occasionally by a sail and/or oars and were manned by crews normally ranging from 2 to 5.