![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/SteamboatBenCampbellb.jpg/640px-SteamboatBenCampbellb.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Paddle steamer
Steam-powered vessel propelled by paddle wheels / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Stern-wheel steamer?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
A paddle steamer is a steamship or steamboat powered by a steam engine that drives paddle wheels to propel the craft through the water. In antiquity, paddle wheelers followed the development of poles, oars and sails, where the first uses were wheelers driven by animals or humans.
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/Blockade-runner2_ADvance.jpg/640px-Blockade-runner2_ADvance.jpg)
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/SteamboatBenCampbellb.jpg/640px-SteamboatBenCampbellb.jpg)
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Providence_%281866%29.jpg/640px-Providence_%281866%29.jpg)
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Tampere_Finlandia_Queen.jpg/640px-Tampere_Finlandia_Queen.jpg)
In the early 19th century, paddle wheels were the predominant way of propulsion for steam-powered boats. In the late 19th century, paddle propulsion was largely superseded by the screw propeller and other marine propulsion systems that have a higher efficiency, especially in rough or open water. Paddle wheels continue to be used by small, pedal-powered paddle boats and by some ships that operate tourist voyages. The latter are often powered by diesel engines.[lower-alpha 1]