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 &… Read More
steamboat
Originally named Annie M, this sternwheel towboat was built in 1888 at Gadsden, Ala., by A.J. Sweeney & Son. Constructed on a wooden hull that measured 122 feet… Read More
This week, the Old Boat Column presents a picture of two rather obscure riverboats, the City Belle and the Calypso. Until 1961, the image was believed to have… Read More
In the heyday of excursion steamboating, this time of year was the peak season for the riverboats to prowl the inland waterways, offering daytime cruises as well as… Read More
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… Read More
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… 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… Read More
The City of Parkersburg at the namesake city on January 17, 1913. (Keith Norrington collection) Built at Harmar, Ohio, in 1899 and originally named Liberty, this sternwheeler was… Read More
A faded photo of Capt. Ben Stout at the wheel of the Oakland. (Keith Norrington collection) In the glory days of steam towboating, one of the best vessels of… 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… Read More
