By the 1930s the last remaining riverboats to carry freight and passengers were beginning to fade from the scene. This week, the Old Boat Column presents a colorized vintage view… Read More
Old Boat Column
A look back into the rich history of the inland waterways transportation industry. From the earliest steam paddlewheelers to the grand sternwheel and sidewheel packets, and the eventual transition from steam to diesel, you’ll find fascinating stories and photos of a different steamboat every week.
Nine decades ago, on July 24, 1928, the old river tradition of steamboat racing was revived at Cincinnati, Ohio. Tens of thousands of cheering spectators lined the banks of the… Read More
For many decades, the Massengale family operated the St. Louis & Tennessee River Packet Company. Capt. John Massengale, a native of Gainesboro, Ga., moved to Nashville, Tenn., obtaining a job… Read More
Built at Harmar, Ohio, in 1899 and originally named Liberty, this sternwheeler was constructed on a wood hull measuring 164 feet in length by 34.4 feet in width. Three boilers… Read More
In the glory days of steam towboating, one of the best vessels of that era was the Oakland. Built at Pittsburgh in 1872 by Capt. Tom Fawcett and Capt. William… Read More
Sixty-two years ago this week (July 4, 1956), the river fraternity mourned the passing of Capt. William H. Leyhe at the age of 83. Affectionately known as “Capt. Buck” to… Read More
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the passing of St. Louis’ beloved river historian, Ruth Ferris (1897–1993), it also marks a five-decade milestone of this writer’s first meeting with… Read More
The seventh documented steamboat to carry the name, the Fashion was built in 1877 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Howard Shipyard for a contract cost of $20,714. Constructed on a… Read More
Built in 1888 at Haynes Landing, W.Va., the Clipper originated as a “sawmill boat,” constructed by the Haynes family of Proctor, W.Va. When first built, the wood-hulled vessel, owned by… Read More
Built in 1872 at Pittsburgh, the Charles Brown was owned by the firm of W.H. Brown & Sons. Constructed on a wooden hull measuring 200 feet in length by 33… Read More
