by MN2037 » April 7, 2010, 11:03 pm
I don't know. But on the American side, the gross registered tonnage of steamers first exceeded sailing ships in 1884. But since steamers were faster than sailing ships, they were likely carrying more cargo on a yearly basis well before 1884.
See the discussion starting on page 12 of this reference. Unfortunately, when these books were scanned, no one bothered to scan the charts and figures.
http://books.google.com/books?id=a6KDN_ ... &q&f=falseI don't know. But on the American side, the gross registered tonnage of steamers first exceeded sailing ships in 1884. But since steamers were faster than sailing ships, they were likely carrying more cargo on a yearly basis well before 1884.
See the discussion starting on page 12 of this reference. Unfortunately, when these books were scanned, no one bothered to scan the charts and figures.
http://books.google.com/books?id=a6KDN_C3uDYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=transportation+on+the+great+lakes&cd=8#v=onepage&q&f=false