This Old Boat column is not about a boat, but rather a particular style of barge. After all, what would a towboat be without barges to push? The… 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.
The Jones and Laughlin Steel Company, better known as simply J&L, had roots in the Pittsburgh area going back to 1852. The firm was founded by Benjamin Franklin Jones… Read More
One of the growing companies operating on the inland rivers today is Hines Furlong Line, which traces its history back some five generations to Capt. Richard T. Williams, who… Read More
When the Delta Queen departed the Dravo Marine Ways at Neville Island, Pa., on February 28, 1948, after a six-month rebuilding program, the appearance of the boat had… Read More
The legendary steamer Delta Queen quietly turned 99 years old recently while languishing near Houma, La., where it has been sitting inactive since 2015. Over the years, many books… Read More
Given that the Allied landings on D-Day at Normandy occurred 82 years ago last week and that this is a special dredging issue, it is only fitting that this… Read More
In recent columns we have looked at vessels built by the Nashville Bridge Company (NABRICO) since the popular Inland Marine Expo (IMX) was held May 27–29 in Nashville, Tenn. Read More
The Harry Dyer new at Nashville as shown in the June 11, 1949 issue of the WJ. While researching last week’s column, Capt. Jeff Yates sent me some material… Read More
With the popular Inland Marine Expo taking place this week at Nashville, Tenn., this column has been detailing towboats built by the Nashville Bridge Company (NABRICO). The last column… Read More
As with prior years, with the approach of the Inland Marine Expo (IMX) to be held at Nashville May 27-29, 2026, the Old Boat column will feature boats built… Read More
