The steamboat was not used more than an attraction until Robert Fulton sold the United States his first steamship.When this steamship was used, it was America's first freight and transportation service that could transport in massive quantities. The goods that were carried on steamboats were items such as agricultural equipment, factory machines, cotton, sugar, and many more crops. The steamboats also offered transportation services to mostly anywhere that connected to the Hudson River. The steamboats were also used for entertainment; the most popular steamboat races were between the steamships Robert E. Lee and The Natchez. Believe it or not; this race attracted thousands of people from across the whole United States.