The barge era began with the coming of the steamboats in the mid 19th century. Still used today as transport of goods, barges can be seen all long the Mississippi River. A typical barge carries 1500 tons of cargo, which is 15 times greater than a rail car and 60 times greater than one trailer truck. An average river tow on the Mississippi River is 15 barges consisting of 5 barges tied together and moving 3 abreast. It was quite enjoyable to watch from a good vantage point of the mighty river.