Packet Trade - United States

United States

See also: Maritime history of the United States

In the United States, "packet trade" is used most often to refer to the Atlantic (or Western) Ocean packets which traded with Europe and Africa (most notably Cape Verde).

In the United States, packet boats, smaller vessels designed for domestic use, also were extensively used in the 19th century for internal mail and scheduled service using rivers and canals, such as along the Erie Canal, which cut travel time across New York state in half; the Pennsylvania Canal, the James River and Kanawha Canal, and navigable rivers.

During the 18th century ships carrying cargo, passengers and mail between Europe and America would sail only when they were full. Starting in the early 19th century, as trade with America became more common, schedule regularity became a priority.

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