No record indicates when the Dover Packet was built, but she was ready for steamboat traffic by late 1854, joining the seasonal -but vital- intercoastal run. She quickly earned a reputation for reliability on the 13 to 15-mile journey, accomplished at speeds up to about 10 knots, powered by a single steam engine likely of 60-70 horsepower.

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**The Real Story Behind the Dover Packet: Speed, Reliability, and Legacy on America’s Intercoastal Trails** Curious about how vital transport routes from over 150 years ago laid the groundwork for modern travel? Hidden in weathered records is a quiet but telling detail: No record indicates when the Dover Packet was built, but she was ready for steamboat traffic by late 1854, becoming a reliable link on a key seasonal coastal route. This 13 to 15-mile journey connected communities with efficient movement at up to 10 knots—powered by a compact single steam engine of 60 to 70 horsepower. While modern travelers may overlook the era’s rhythms, today’s interest reflects broader trends in historical transportation, coastal economies, and the quiet endurance of early river steamship routes. ### Why the Dover Packet Draws Attention Now Cultural and economic interest in steamship history has surged, driven by documentaries, heritage tourism, and online communities tracing America’s industrial past. The Dover Packet’s story—of reliable, seasonal service during peak travel windows—resonates with audiences tracing the evolution of regional connectivity. It symbolizes a time when consistent travel wasn’t just possible, but planned.