What do the American Queen, Delta Queen, Golden Eagle, Mississippi Queen, Natchez and Robert E. Lee all have in common?
Yes, they are all steamboats that could be seen along with many others in years gone by making their way up and down the Mississippi River. These particular boats, however, are all ones that are highlighted in our South Gallery Display “Flowing through Time: Wittenberg, Tower Rock & the Mississippi River.”
The history of riverboats on the Mississippi River dates back to 1811 when the first steamboat, the New Orleans, traveled from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to New Orleans, Louisiana. Steamboats allowed for the transportation of passengers and freight up and down the river, even in shallow waters and against strong currents.
Steamboats played a major role in the development of the US in the 19th century. They allowed the South to export cotton and sugar, and the river supported the burgeoning West by carrying many other trade goods, including furs and agricultural products. Riverboats also became popular entertainment venues, with some serving as nightclubs, theaters, and parade grounds. Steamboats were even known to carry immigrants going from New Orleans to St. Louis or St. Louis to Perry County!
Riverboat traffic came to a peak in 1857 and 1858. However, the Civil War caused a decline throughout the 1860s. After the development of railroads, passenger traffic gradually shifted to that faster form of transportation, but steamboats continued to be used for commerce on the Mississippi River into the early 20th century. A few steamboats are still used for tourist excursions today.
Come see models of the two ships pictured above in the “Great American Steamboat Race” of 1870, as well as pictures and artifacts from many other steamboats and other riverboats. Read about the sinking of the Golden Eagle in 1947 at Tower Rock Island. Do any readers remember that event or any stories you have heard about it? If so, please comment and tell us about them.
The museum is open daily 10 am – 4 pm. Admission is free. See you soon!