Historic Paddlesteamers, Mississippi River

Paddle steamers are among the most iconic sights of the Mississippi River, appearing in the early 19^th century.  These flat-bottomed boats used steam engines to power large paddle wheels at the rear or sides, allowing them to navigate the river’s shallow, shifting waters.  Their design made them perfect for carrying goods, passengers, and mail before railroads and highways took over.

They became a lifeline for commerce, moving cotton, timber, and other goods between river towns and major ports like New Orleans and St Louis, while also serving as floating venues for excursions and entertainment.

The most celebrated paddle steamer race on the Mississippi took place in 1870, when the Natchez and the newly launched Robert E. Lee set out from New Orleans on a record-breaking journey to St. Louis.  Rival captains and their crews were determined to prove whose vessel was faster, and the race quickly became the talk of river towns along the route.

The two boats navigated the river’s unpredictable twists and turns, sandbars, and snags at full steam.  Passengers cheered from the decks as the paddle wheels churned through the murky water, while the crew worked tirelessly in the engine rooms, feeding coal into roaring furnaces to maintain maximum speed.  Along narrow bends, the boats passed each other dangerously close, smoke and steam blurring the view, with both captains pushing the limits of skill and nerves.  After three days of relentless racing, the Robert E. Lee arrived in St. Louis six hours ahead of the Natchez, setting a record that still stands today.

Today paddle steamers are no longer needed commercially but recreational trips offer a glimpse into its golden era.  While 19^th-century steamboats are long gone, the current Natchez, operating in New Orleans, is the ninth vessel to bear the name.  Built in 1975, it famously raced the Delta Queen in 1976 and again in 2007 as part of fundraising events, winning both times.  The Delta Queen, built in 1926, is the last surviving steam-powered overnight passenger boat.  The Natchez continues to carry passengers along the river, delighting visitors with the river’s scenic views and a nostalgic ride recalling exciting riverboat era.