The Frontenac was launched in Sacket's Harbor, New York, as a pioneering steamboat for the Great Lakes. Its design was specifically tailored for navigating the often turbulent waters of the Great Lakes, which posed unique challenges for traditional sailing vessels. The construction of the Frontenac benefitted from advancements in steam engine technology, which allowed it to travel faster and carry heavier loads than its predecessors. This increased efficiency was crucial for the growing trade in the region, as it connected various towns and cities more effectively than ever before.

The boat was 135 feet long and had a beam of 24 feet, giving it sufficient size to venture into Lake Ontario and beyond. Its engine was capable of producing 50 horsepower, which was impressive for the time, enabling it to traverse the challenging weather patterns that characterized the Great Lakes. The Frontenac's successful launch not only impressed spectators but also demonstrated the viability of steam-powered navigation on inland waterways. The construction and operation of the steamer attracted numerous investors, catalyzing further technological investment and development in maritime industries.

As communities around the lakes began to rely more on steamboat services, the Frontenac exemplified the transitioning transportation landscape in the early 19th century America. It facilitated not only passenger travel but also the movement of goods, further integrating the Great Lakes into the broader economic fabric of the country. The successes of the Frontenac spurred the construction of additional steamboats, leading to an era marked by steamboat proliferation on these waters, which would eventually shape trade dynamics in the Upper Midwest and contribute to its economic growth as a regional powerhouse.