In the November 10, 2025, issue of The Waterways Journal, this column touched on the history of Hillman Barge & Construction Company. In 1903, Pittsburgh Steel established a repair… 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 stern line rumor mill was flying last week with talk that the Showboat Majestic may finally have a home to go to. Showboats were once a common… Read More
The last column examined a “radically different” style of barge from 1930. This column will look at a “radically different” towboat that was built in 1953. The December… Read More
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
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
