Steamboat Belvedere

Article taken from The Ohio Independent Press, July 20, 1831

Prosperity of the West

A new steam boat is building in Portsmouth, Ohio, by captain Green of the Belvedere.  We understand that thirty new boats are building this season between Louisville & Pittsburgh, some few of these will supply the place of those worn out.

This is a gratifying evidence of the increase of business on the western waters.  The present season has been remarkable profitable, and we have no doubt the next will not be less so, notwithstanding the additional number of boats.  The opening of the Ohio canal will immediately create business of this kind to a much greater extent, than has yet existed.  The production of the interior will find their way South through this avenue, which will bring back an increased amount of cotton, sugar, coffee, & etc.  The trade of the south western States with New-York, will then find a direct, expeditious, safe and cheap channel.  We do not regard the usual objection to this route, that of the length of time the lake remains closed with ice; as affording an obstacle of much consequence for all mercantile men well know how easy it would be to anticipate that occurrence by providing supplies before hand.

Portsmouth Courier.