High water from heavy rains in the mid-Mississippi Valley area in early April reached the Lower Mississippi River in the second week of the month, triggering navigation restrictions along the… Read More
Natchez
For nearly 50 years, the Steamboat Natchez has been one of the most recognizable and iconic vessels plying the waters in New Orleans’ busy harbor. The 236-foot-long, steam-powered sternwheeler was… Read More
Legendary calliopist and steamboat master Capt. Clarke Campbell “Doc” Hawley, a native of Charleston, W.Va., and a near-50-year resident of New Orleans, died November 12 from complications related to throat… Read More
The river community was saddened recently to learn of the passing of Capt. Clarke C. “Doc” Hawley at age 87. Hawley, a Charleston, W.Va., native, was related to the Calvert… Read More
Guilford, Conn.-based American Cruise Lines christened the American Symphony in Natchez, Miss., August 30, marking the launch of its fifth new “modern” riverboat in four years. The American Symphony, which… Read More
The Steamboat Natchez, the iconic New Orleans-based sternwheeler built in 1975, caught fire the night of May 3 while moored in the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal. The New Orleans Fire… Read More
The Old Boat Column this week presents a steamboat named for a renowned river city. Known internationally as a quaint Southern town with a rich culture, the little river town… Read More
The New Orleans maritime community, family and friends of William T. “Bill” Bergeron are celebrating his life, while also mourning his loss, following his death February 2. A native of… Read More
In 1894, as the Howard family prepared to occupy their newly completed 22-room riverside mansion at Jeffersonville, Ind., the shipyard built the towboat Fritz, named for Capt. Fritz Mentor. The… Read More
In 1952, a young man named Clarke Campbell Hawley joined the crew of the excursion steamboat Avalon as calliope player and popcorn popper, embarking on an adventure that spanned more… Read More
