Two primary documents that were instructive to the generation involved in getting under way with steam power are "The Engineer", a gazette regarding the steam trade of British origin. The catalog of this publication is contained in the London, England library system, newspaper archives. It was part of the cargo on some blockade runners.

The second is the text regarding steam power written by Capt. James Ward while he was an engineering instructor at the Naval Academy. This text was used in the academy curriculum. Ward was killed at Aquia Creek, June of 61' in an abortive attack on the works there.

The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan has several examples of period technology.