STEAMBOATS ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

I attended a tribute ceremony to the Delta Queen Steamboat and learned interesting historical facts. Steamboats have played important roles in history. Hopefully those remaining will be in operation for future generations to enjoy. Our library has many books on steamboats, such as
Live Steam by Jon Kral, a photojournalist who gives a behind the scenes look at what it’s like to live and work aboard steamboats.

Monday, November 3, 2008 at 4:00P.M.

Tribute to the Delta Queen

Along the Vicksburg riverfront and from the bow of the American Queen a tribute was made to the departing steamboat, Delta Queen. The Captain John Dugger presented a plaque to
Mayor Laurence Leyens. Mayor Leyens spoke of the importance of keeping the stern-wheel steamboats on the River and proclaimed November 3rd as “Delta Queen Day” for Vicksburg. The American Queen Quartet played and the "Delta Queen Waltz" was performed. The history of the Delta Queen was given as being built in 1927 with a cost of less than a million dollars. She began overnight trips between Sacramento and San Francisco for the next thirteen years going through the Depression. From 1940 to 1946, the Delta Queen served in the U.S. Navy. She was painted overall gun barrel gray. In 1946 she was put up for auction and bought by Tom Green from Cincinnati, Ohio for $46, 250.00 The Green Family renovated the Delta Queen in 1947. Cruises began in 1948 on the Ohio River and have continued for the past sixty years. In 1966 a law was enacted for ocean going vessels having wooden superstructure, stating that they couldn’t carry more than fifty passengers overnight. The Delta Queen has been exempted nine times from this law allowing her to have passenger cruises. Recently the exemption wasn’t given to the Delta Queen and expired on November 1st. The public is being encouraged to contact representatives to ask Congress to allow the exemption. For more information see the website at http://www.deltaqueenhistory.com/