The Silver Moon

October 12, 2018

The sidewheeler Silver Moon was unique for several reasons. The boat was built specifically to fit into the short locks of the Louisville & Portland Canal. Constructed in 1859 at… Read More

The Charles Morgan

September 28, 2018

The sidewheeler Charles Morgan was reputedly one of the most popular packets ever to ply the Cincinnati–New Orleans trade. Built in 1874 by the Cincinnati Marine Railway & Dock Company,… Read More

The Sidewheeler Tarascon

January 15, 2018

For a contract cost of $40,900, the beautiful sidewheeler Tarascon was constructed on a wooden hull (250 feet in length by 38 feet in width) at Jeffersonville, Ind., in 1863… Read More

The Guiding Star

December 25, 2017

On this Christmas Day, we conclude the Old Boat Column for 2017 with a steamboat that took its name from the star of Bethlehem. The Guiding Star, a wooden-hulled sidewheeler… Read More