Paddle steamers have been used as river transport in different parts of the United States including the Hudson River in New York State and the Mississippi river in Louisiana.

In 1811 the New Orleans was the first steamboat to travel the entire length of the Lower Mississippi River from Ohio to New Orleans. More recently, although no longer in commercial use, the picturesque boats have been used for tourist trips.

Photo by AP: The Delta Queen, America’s last paddle steamer

The Economist writes about the end of the line for America’s last paddle steamboat, which is due to cease operations later this year.