where is the delta queen riverboat

• CruiseMapper
• River Cruises

Delta Queen

Cruise line River Cruises

Specifications of Delta Queen

•   Review
•   Wiki

Delta Queen Review

Review of delta queen.

MS Delta Queen is an authentic American stern paddle-wheel steamboat. The ship has historically been used for cruises on Mississippi River and its tributaries, and mostly in Southern USA. Following a major refit, the boat was scheduled to start operations in 2020, with voyages on Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Arkansas and Kanawha rivers.

The vessel (IMO number 8643327) is currently USA- flagged (MMSI 366950730) and serves as a hotel permanently moored in Sacramento CA .

The riverboat was launched in 1925 and started operations in 1927. The paddlewheeler was docked in Chattanooga Tennessee, serving as a hotel ship until purchased by the newly established Delta Queen Steamboat Company. In March 2015, the vessel was towed to Gulf Island Fabrication Inc shipyard (in Houma Louisiana) to be drydock refurbished to its original condition.

The current shipowner is the Kimmswick Missouri -based Delta Queen Steamboat Company.

Delta Queen has a cross-compound steam powerplant, which engines generate 1,5 MW power output. As propulsion, the boat is moved by its stern-mounted paddlewheel. This riverboat is the last surviving (original) overnight steam-powered cruise ship on Mississippi River.

Shipboard facilities include Forward Cabin Lounge (with a roof-covered terrace/Front Porch of America), Texas Lounge (bar lounge with large windows, comfortable seating, full-service Bar, an open-air terrace/alfresco venue with 4-seat tables), Lobby Hall (Reception Desk/Purser, Gift Shop), Betty Blake Library (Reading Room / Cards Room), Orleans Room (Restaurant & Galley/kitchen), Engine Room Viewing (lounge with views of the stern paddlewheel).

The boat has 5 decks , of which 4 are passenger-accessible and 3 with cabins . All cabins on Sundeck and Texas Deck have direct access to wraparound Promenades (outdoor walking areas) from where via outdoor stairs are accessed other decks.

An unusual feature of the Delta Queen steamboat is the steam calliope mounted on Sundeck (adjacent/aft of the Pilothouse/Navigation Bridge). Calliope is a 19th-century invented musical instrument (aka steam organ / steam piano) producing sounds by sending steam through large whistles. The riverboat's calliope covers about 3 octaves and was used to play the vessel while docking (berthing) and undocking. Sometimes, the ship's Master (Captain) extended this courtesy to other ships as well.

In 1989, Delta Queen was designated a "National Historic Landmark" (NHL, officially recognized by the US government). As such, the cruise ship can't sail with over 50 passengers onboard - based on SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea Act) requirements issued in 1966. That law also prohibits overnight cruises on wooden ships. The riverboat has a steel hull, but its public spaces and all staterooms are mostly of wooden construction. Delta Queen sailed for decades under SOLAS exemption, but this expired in 2008. The historic steamship is also included in the USA's National Register of Historic Places and National Maritime Hall of Fame.

In July 2015, two US senators from Ohio State introduced a bill that would let the riverboat Delta Queen to operate once again overnight passenger cruise service. The bill is a companion to legislation introduced in March 2015. The new legislation would require the installation of modern safety equipment and would grant the riverboat a 15-years exemption to the SOLAS rule (standard practice until 2008).

Currently, the cruise ship is undergoing refits in Houma Louisiana. The refit project is led by Delta Queen Steamboat Company's President and CEO Cornel J. Martin. His partners (Leah and Randy Ingram) previously operated the vessel (IMO 8643327) as a ship hotel, being permanently moored in Chattanooga TN. Steamboat's drydock refit and refurbishment cost were estimated at around USD 5 million.

A provision found in the 2018-modified version of the Senate's USCG authorization bill exempted Delta Queen from federal law and USCG regulations. These regulations currently require vessels with overnight accommodations for 50+ passengers to be made of fireproof materials. The boat's owner redesigned the steamship to passenger capacity 174. In 1966, US law was changed to require fireproofing of boats with large berthing capacity following the 1965 fire on SS Yarmouth Castle (wooden steamship) in the Caribbean. The accident killed 90 people.

Delta Queen cruises on Mississippi and its tributaries. The regularly scheduled itineraries are operated with departures from New Orleans to Memphis TN , St Louis MO , St Paul MN , Cincinnati OH  and other major riverport cities.

The above itinerary map shows all river ports planned to be included in the Delta Queen steamboat's schedule.

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there. For similarly-designed (stern paddlewheel) US riverboats you can check the fleets of American Cruise Lines and American Queen Voyages/Steamboat Company (AQSC) . Also similar (but way smaller) is the Australian steamship Murray Princess (1988-built).

Photos of Delta Queen

Delta Queen ship related cruise news

Delta Queen Steamboat Returns to Service

The US House of Representatives decided the fate of Delta Queen Steamboat. Cincinnati's beloved cruise ship may once again sail back home, at...

Will Delta Queen Sail Again?

Senate votes this week are due to help determine whether the 91-year-old wooden steamboat Delta Queen can be resurrected as an overnight river cruise...

•   show more news

Other River Cruises cruise ships

• Amatista Amazon
• Amazon Clipper Premium
• Amazon Dream
• Aqua Mekong
• Belmond Orcaella
• Belmond Road to Mandalay
• Century Legend
• Century Paragon
• DCS Alemannia
• DCS Amethyst
• DCS Amethyst Classic
• MPS Rotterdam
• MPS Salvinia
• MPS Statendam
• MS Anton Bruckner
• MS Antonio Bellucci
• MS Bellriva
• MS Bruckmadl
• MS Carissima
• MS Crucestar
• MS Crucevita
• MS De Amsterdam
• MS Der Kleine Prinz
• MS Donau Kristallschiff
• MS Dutch Melody
• MS Elegant Lady
• MS Excellence Baroness
• MS Excellence Coral
• MS Excellence Countess
• MS Excellence Empress
• MS Excellence Pearl
• MS Excellence Princess
• MS Excellence Queen
• MS Excellence Rhone
• MS Excellence Royal
• MS Johannes Brahms
• MS Kristallkonigin
• MS Kristallprinzessin
• MS Lady Cristina
• MS Lady Diletta
• MS Linzerin
• MS Monarch Countess
• MS My Story
• MS Primadonna
• MS Regina Danubia
• MS Rigoletto
• MS River Discovery II
• MS River Navigator
• MS River Splendor
• MS River Venture
• MS River Voyager
• MS Rousse Prestige
• MS Royal Crown
• MS Sans Souci
• MS Serenade 1
• MS Serenade 2
• MS Serenity
• MS Stadt Linz
• MS SUNliner Cabrioschiff
• MS Switzerland II
• MS Thurgau Gold
• MS Thurgau Ultra
• MS VistaBelle
• MS VistaExplorer
• MS VistaFidelio
• MS VistaFlamenco
• MS VistaNeo
• MS VistaStar
• MS Vivienne
• MV Esmeralda
• MV Glen Etive
• MV Glen Massan
• MV Glen Tarsan
• MV Louisiane
• MV Mahabaahu
• MV Prinses Christina
• MV Virginia
• PS Murray Princess
• Riverside Debussy
• Riverside Mozart
• Riverside Ravel
• RV Anawrahta
• RV Bengal Ganga
• RV Cruiseco Adventurer
• RV Cruiseco Explorer
• RV Irrawaddy Explorer
• RV Mekong Princess
• RV Thurgau Exotic 1
• RV Thurgau Exotic 2
• RV Thurgau Exotic 3
• Sanctuary Ananda
• Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
• Victoria Sabrina
• Viking Sobek

Delta Queen Wiki

"The Country Gentlemen" music band (with Charlie Waller as leader) recorded the song "Delta Queen" as part of their 1974 album "Remembrances and Forecasts". Written by Pete Goble and Leroy Drumm, the song was inspired after Leroy saw the steamship cruising down Tennessee River in the early 1970s.

For a few years, there were rumours about Mary Greene's ghost haunting the Delta Queen ship. Mary was the wife of Gordon Greene - Greene Line's founder. Riverboat Captain in her own right, the woman died on the ship on April 22, 1949. Since then, crew and passengers have reported strange occurrences and sounds onboard, attributed to Mary's ghost, particularly around her former quarters.

Delta Queen's sistership is Delta King (launched 1925). The sistership was christened in May 1927 and used to cruise in California (between Sacramento and San Francisco ) on 10-hour long itineraries. In 1981, Delta King sank while laid up in Richmond CA. The boat was raised, towed to Sacramento CA and refurbished (5-year project) at cost USD 9 million. Today, Delta King serves as a 44-room hotel ship (permanently moored in Sacramento CA) featuring a premium restaurant. The ship also doubles as Capital Stage - run by an onboard professional theatre company. This riverboat is also listed in Sacramento's NRHP (National Register of Historic Places) as object deemed worthy of preservation.

Delta Queen

The legendary Delta Queen is the last remaining historical steamboat capable for overnight cruises, though it is unclear whether she’ll ever be able to sail as a cruise ship again.

The Delta Queen and her identical twin the Delta King – called the million dollar boats – were fabricated from 1924 to 1927 on the River Clyde at the Isherwood Yard in Glasgow, Scotland, (other sources claim William Denny & Brothers Ltd., Dumbarton, Scotland) and assembled that same year at Banner Island shipyard in Stockton, CA. The machinery was built by William Denny & Brothers Ltd., Dumbarton, Scotland. The paddlewheel shaft and the cranks were forged at the Krupp Stahlwerke AG, Germany. The boats were completed on May 20, 1927.

The Delta Queen is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

She is 285 feet long, 60 feet wide and has a height of 66′-5” to the top of the smokestack. There are 87 staterooms for a total of 174 passengers.

Since the exemption for the Delta Queen from the Safety at Sea Act expired end of October 2008 she must no longer carry overnight passengers. But in November 2018, US Congress granted a new exemption, so at least legally the DQ can sail as a cruise ship again, given that she receives a Certificate of Inspection from the US Coast Guard.

From February 2009 the Delta Queen is located at Chattanooga, TN, to serve as a hotel and restaurant beginning in April 2009. Delta Queen fans are still working on getting a renewal of the exemption from Congress. For details see www.save-the-delta-queen.org .

More about the Delta Queen

Below, you’ll find a picture gallery, several interactive 360° panorama pictures as well as recordings and video clips from the Delta Queen’s steam whistle and calliope as well as the complete history and more details about the Delta Queen.

If you’re planning to build a scale model of the Delta Queen, there are a few options, and we’ve collected some information for model builders on our page “ Delta Queen Steamboat Model Kit and Plans “.

In addition to these pictures, there is a comprehensive picture gallery of the Delta Queen , taken in 2016 when she was at Chattanooga, TN.

360° Panorama Pictures: Delta Queen

These interactive panorama pictures of the Delta Queen have been made in August 2013 while the boat was serving as the Delta Queen Hotel at Chattanooga, TN.

Please view the panorama pictures in full screen mode for much more details – just click on the right button (the one with the four arrows) within the panorama picture for full screen mode. Choose from a total of 13 different views of the Delta Queen by clicking on one of the panorama icons on the right side – in case they’re hidden, just click the little arrow icon on the right or use the drop-down menu in the upper right corner.

The Bell and Whistle of the Delta Queen

The series of 3 x 3 bell strokes and the following whistle signal indicates the departure of the boat in about 30 minutes.

The Delta Queen’s bell was made by the Kaye Co., Louisville and was originally on the Anchor Line’s sidewheeler CITY OF ST. LOUIS, built by the Howard Shipyard at Jeffersonville, Indiana in 1883.

The CITY OF ST. LOUIS burned in 1903 while laid up, but the bell survived and was sold to Capt. J. Frank Ellison who placed it on the Str. QUEEN CITY, remaining on that boat for her entire career which spanned 1897-1940. Later, the bell served briefly on the towboat MILDRED, the packet OUACHITA, and the towboat JOHN W. HUBBARD (now the MIKE FINK restaurant at Covington, KY). The bell was placed aboard the DQ in 1947 or 1948.

Under which circumstances the roof bell came from the JOHN W. HUBBARD to the DELTA QUEEN is not absolutely clear. Is seams that the bell was “transferred”, not sold from Capt. Charles Campbell and Capt. Tom Greene, who were good friends. One theory says that Tom Greene loaned the bell to Campbell for the HUBBARD. Now Campbell was absorbed by “Valley Line” and the HUBBARD was sold by Campbell to the Ohio River Co. in 1947. Charlie Campbell probably didn’t like the idea of either the bell or whistle going to ORCO, thus returning them to Tom Greene.

Another theory suggests that the bell came into Greene Line ownership when they purchased the holdings of the Ohio River Transportation Co. in 1936, and got the OUACHITA in the deal. The Greene Line didn’t need her bell at that time as they stripped her down to the main deck and made a deck barge out of her named STOGIE WHITE. So the Greene’s may have loaned out the bell, and called in the favor when the DELTA QUEEN needed a decent roof bell.

Totally unrelated, one story tells that the DELTA QUEEN’s bell is reputed to contain one hundred Mexican silver dollars in the alloy, for a “sweet” tone.

The Whistle

Many steamboat enthusiasts consider the sound of the Delta Queen’s whistle as the most beautiful all along the rivers, like John Hartford praised the whistle’s “deep, mellow sound” in his “Delta Queen Waltz”.

The actual whistle seems to be the original Lukenheimer whistle, while the Delta Queen around 1950 for a while had the old whistle from the the Homer Smith (later renamed Chris Greene). Hear the Homer Smith / Chris Greene whistle. See also a letter of Capt. Tom Greene, discussing the whistle issue .

A while ago the whistle was moved away from her original position at the smoke stack and is now located right behind the pilot house. There had been arguments that the vibrations of the whistle may cause soot being rattled loose in th smoke stack, causing a shower of soot over the passengers on the open decks. What ever the reason for these frequent soot shower had been, the issue is solved as of today.

Delta Queen Calliope

The Delta Queen’s calliope has first been connected and played on January 23, 1960. On the keyboard was Chief Engineer Fred A. Barrows. (brought to our attention by Ted Guillaum).

The video gives you an impression of the sound and look of the Delta Queens calliope. And there are more calliope recordings below. Read about her history in Travis Vasconcelos’ story “ The History of the Delta Queen Calliope “.

• Delta Queen - song 1
• Delta Queen - song 2
• Delta Queen - song 3
• Delta Queen - song 4
• Delta Queen - song 5
• Delta Queen - song 6
• Delta Queen - song 7
• Delta Queen - song 8

Delta Queen History

The Delta Queen and her identical twin the Delta King – called the million dollar boats – were fabricated from 1924 to 1927 on the River Clyde at the William Denny & Brothers Ltd., Dumbarton, Scotland and assembled that same year at Banner Island shipyard in Stockton, CA. The machinery was built by William Denny & Brothers Ltd., Dumbarton, Scotland. The paddlewheel shaft and the cranks were forged at the Krupp Stahlwerke AG, Germany. The boats were completed on May 20, 1927.

Both boats run for the California Transportation Company of San Francisco on the so called “Delta Route”, the Sacramtento – San Joaquin River Delta, which gave them their names. The boats took up their regular service on June 1, 1927, replacing the steamers Fort Sutter and Capital City. Both boats had their last regular runs on September 29, 1940, the closing day of the Golden Gate International Exposition or world fair on Treasure Island.

The Delta Queen was required by the Navy as receiving ship for naval reservists. The first group arrived on October 16, 1940. The Delta King followed in November 1940. These leases were planned for 6 months but in April 1941, the Navy renewed the leases for another 6 months. In fall of 1941 both boats returned to Stockton but instead of returning them to regular passenger service the California Transportation Company sold the boats to the Isbrandsten Steamship Co. of New York. Both vessels should be towed to the East Coast via the Panama Canal for use as excursion boats on the Hudson River. Pearl Harbor brought a turn in the fate of the boats. The Delta Queen and the Delta King rushed back into Navy service as emergency hospital transports. They were classified as Yard House Boats, the Delta King as YHB-6 and the Delta Queen as YHB-7, but retained their names.

On July 5, 1944, reclassified the boats as Yard Ferry Boats, the Delta King as YFB-55 and the Delta Queen as YFB-56. During the founding conference of the United Nations from April 25 to June 26, 1945, the Delta Queen took delegates of the 51 gathered nations on sightseeing trips around San Francisco Bay. In 1946 the boats went into lay-up at the Reserve Fleet on Suisan Bay, called the “mothball fleet”. The Delta King was off the Navy records on April 17, 1946, the Delta Queen on August 28.

On December 17, 1946, the Delta Queen was bought from the War Shipping Administration by Capt. Tom R. Greene of Greene Line Steamers of Cincinnati, OH, for use on the Mississippi River system. Capt. Frederick Way Jr., engineer Charlie Dietz and ship carpenter Bill Horn prepared the Delta Queen on Fultons shipyard in Antioch, CA, for her voyage on sea. The Delta Queen started her legendary voyage through the Panama Canal on April 19, 1947, tugged by the tug Osage. She arrived in New Orleans on May 18, 1947, after 29 days covering 5,261 miles of open sea. The Delta Queen was reassembled and prepared for her voyage up the Mississippi River and the Ohio river to Dravo Corporation on Neville Island, Pittsburgh, PA, for a major overhaul.

She went back into passenger service on June 21, 1948. In 1966 the Safety of Life at Sea Law nearly ended the Delta Queen’s career. Because of her wooden structure the legislation would end her passenger cruise. With the help of Betty Blake, Bill Muster and E. Jay Quinby the Delta Queen got an extension for two years. E. Jay Quinby also installed an old calliope on the Delta Queen, which was rescued from the sunken showboat Water Queen, made by Thomas J. Nichols as one of the famous “Three Sisters”. In 1969 the ownership changed to Overseas National Airways. The Delta Queen’s extension ran out in November 1970. The “Save The Delta Queen” campaign promoted by Betty Blake seemed to be a failure. On October 21, 1970, the Delta Queen left St. Paul for her final cruise to New Orleans with Capt. Ernest Wagner as master arriving in New Orleans on November 2. On December 31, 1970, President Nixon signed another extension until 1973. Those extensions are prolonged until the present time.

In 1973 the company’s name was changed to Delta Queen Steamboat Company as the Greene family was no longer involved. In April 1976 the Delta Queen was sold to the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of New York. Soon after that the Prudential Lines Inc. of San Francisco, CA, became involved. In the early 1980s Sam Zell and Bob Lurie of Chicago, IL, acquired control of the outstanding stock. On October 19, 2001, American Classical Voyages, the parental company of the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. and still under control of Sam Zell, filed for Chapter 11. All boats finished their cruises except the Delta Queen which finished the season on January 5, 2002. Fortunately, the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. finally was bought by Delaware North Companies, Inc. and the Delta Queen went back in service on August 26, 2002, the year of her 75th birthday. In 2006 the Delta Queen Steamboat Company again was sold, this time to Ambassadors International, who formed a new cruise line called Majestic America Line, running now also the Empress of the North, the Columbia Queen, the Queen of the West and other ships.

Since the exemption for the Delta Queen from the Safety at Sea Act expired end of October 2008 she must no longer carry overnight passengers. From February 2009 the Delta Queen is located at Chattanooga, TN, to serve as a hotel and restaurant beginning in April 2009.

On November 27th, 2018, US Congress has granted a new exemption to allow the historic Delta Queen to return to the rivers as a cruise ship. According to Cornel Martin, President and CEO of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, the Delta Queen was projected to return to service in 2020. This will probably be delayed in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

For more details about the difficult fight to get a new exemption from US Congress, see www.save-the-delta-queen.org .

The Delta Queen

December 17th, 1946: Capt. Tom Greene and family received formal notification from the UNITED STATES MARITIME COMMISSION that his bid for “The vessel DELTA QUEEN (YFB 56) had been accepted.” His bid of $46,250.00 had been the only one received. Thus began the greatest adventure of his life and that of boon companion/advisor Capt. Fred Way, Jr. (brought to our attention by R. Dale Flick)

Celebrities travelling on the Delta Queen

The most famous trip of the Delta Queen has been the “Presidential Cruise” of 1976 (???) of Jimmy Carter and family. But there had been other Celebrities cruising the Delta Queen as well. Here are some memories from the Steamboats.org Message Board.

January 16, 2003, Jane Greene: “Not all celebrities on the Delta Queen were Presidents. Ever heard of William Carlos Williams? I have..only because my college degrees were in English and so were my sisters at the time that William Carlos Williams was on the Delta Queen and Mary was the social director. She was quite thrilled that this famous American poet, Pullitzer Prize winner was travelling with us. However, not EVERYONE had heard of this poet who in real life was a pediatrician. Mary prevailed upon him to read some of his famous poems one night for the passengers. I wasn’t on the trip, but when I talked with my sister later, I asked how the evening went when Dr. Williams read his poems to the passengers.She said that it didn’t go so well, that he may as well have been unpacking his suitcase for them…that they were just sorta counting the minutes till they could get up and do the hokey pokey.I was disappointed that nobody dug him, and cocluded that he was casting pearls before swine. And I thought the same when the famous Virgil Fos was playing classical music on the calliope at Cave-in-Rock to people who no doubt would rather hear chopsticks. However, at my ripe old age of 60, my entire views have changed…We are ALL swine and we are ALL pearl casters. EVeryone has areas of expertise which the other guy probably doesn’t get…so rather than to look down on those who don’t share our knowledge and appreciation for this and that, I’ve concluded that the important thing ONLY is to recognize the appreciation within ONESELF. As long as I know that I appreciate William Carlos Williams’ poetry, that’s all that matters. This all sounds lofty, no doubt, but the bottom line is “Don’t condemn people who don’t tap their toes to the same tunes that you do. They may know tons more than you in another area. Philosophically yours, Jane”

January 16, 2003, Jane Greene: “My mother sent him [Jimmy Carter] her book Long Live the Delta Queen after he returned from his trip. He wrote her a lengthy thank you note which she certainly didn”t expect. Then later, when she was hospitalized several times with various things, he sent her get-well cards in the hospital! The nurse’s were amazed to see her cards from Pres. Carter with the pre.seal sitting there among a host of others. Just thought that was very nice of him. Plentya people had forgotten Letha Greene by then, that’s for sure, but old Jimmy remembered her. Also, to add a bit of levity, when mom was autographing her book, she asked ME what I thought she should say on there. I said that I had heard that they stayed in room 338 which was frequentyly occupied by my parents years ago, so I said, I think you oughta say “Best wishes to the only President who ever slept in my room!” She howled but refrained. Also, mom never did figure out how he found out that she was in the hospital?”

January 17, 2003, Ted Guillaum: “Another celebrity name to add to the steamboat list is Olivia de Haveland. One year the company scheduled a “Movie Cruise” for the Delta Queen and a “Big Band” cruise for the MQ. It was early in the season and bookings were low on the DQ (especially since the company was trying to channel most people to the MQ) so they canceled the DQ and combined both cruises to the MQ. What a bargain for the passengers! Some of the DQ crew like myself and cruise Director, Terry Severns, were put on the MQ to help host the movie people. Terry and I shared the duties of hosting Ms. de Haveland who was a most gracious lady as most big celebrities are. It was a pleasure and I even got a paycheck. Ms. de Haveland was traveling alone and she wanted one of us to be with her for public appearances. She was the only living leading character from “Gone With The Wind” and of course we showed the film. Now for the name dropping part. I got to sit next to Olivia de Haveland while watching “GWTW” and sharing popcorn with her. The passengers loved her.”

50th birthday of the Delta Queen 1976

As Ted Guillaum brought to our attention, here is the official press release for the Delta Queen’s 50th birthday in 1976:

The Delta Queen celebrates her 50th birthday in 1976. Her hull was fabricated on the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland and shipped to Stockton, California for final assembly. Her superstructure was completed in 1926 and she was commissioned by the California Transportation Company to operate overnight trips between Sacramento and San Francisco.

No expense was spared in outfitting the Delta Queen with the finest appointments. Teakwood handrails line her outside decks. Stained glass windows set with copper rather than lead decorate the Forward Cabin lounge and the Texas Lounge. The Orleans Room features Siamese ironbark floor. Cut glass fills the door of the Gift Shop. And throughout the boat, the fittings are brass and the posts and paneling are either oak or mahogany. These features are irreplaceable and unique to the Delta Queen. Her original cost was $850,000.

During World War II, the U.S. Navy used the Delta Queen to ferry troops and wounded in San Francisco Bay. She was decommissioned in 1946 and auctioned off to Tom Greene, President of Greene Line Steamers, the former name of The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. Greene originally bid unsuccessfully for the Queen’s twin sister, the Delta King. His successful bid on the Queen was $46,250.

After painstakingly crating the superstructure, Tom Greene had the Delta Queen towed across 5,000 miles of open sea down the Pacific Coast, through the Panama Canal, and up the Gulf of Mexico to New Orleans. From there, she traveled under her own power to the Dravo Shipyards in Pittsburgh where she was remodeled and re-outfitted at a cost of nearly $750,000.

On June 30, 1948 the Delta Queen made her maiden passenger voyage on the Mississippi River system with a round trip from Cincinnati to Cairo, Illinois. In 1966, the operation of the Delta Queen encountered a legal snag. That year the U.S. Congress passed the Safety at Sea Law which requires any vessel carrying more than 50 overnight passengers to be constructed entirely of steel. The law was passed after the Viking Princess and the Yarmouth Castle burned at sea and was intended to legislate the construction of ocean going vessels. But the broad terminology of the bill embraced river bound vessels as well. It looked as if the Delta Queen might have to be retired. But her supporters rallied behind her. And since 1966, they have persuaded Congress to five 5 exemptions from the law. In return, the Delta Queen’s current exemption from the law expires November 1, 1978. And since the sternwheeler is a riverboat rather than an ocean vessel, the steamboat company is now working to have legislation introduced into Congress that would permanently exempt the steamer from the Safety at Sea Law. [*this exemption has occured, Ted] The significance of the Delta Queen as the last overnight sternwheel steamboat of its kind has been recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior which has listed her in the National Register of historic Places and by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration which has certified her as an ongoing Bicentennial experience.

The Delta Queen is truly a tribute to America and the era of Mark Twain.

A Letter from famous Delta Queen Captain Ernie Wagner

Ted Guillaum wrote the following on the Steamboats.org Message Board on January 16, 2003:

Many “old timers” and almost all S & D members remember the late Bert Fenn of Tell City, Indiana. I found his Christmas letter from 1980. It was the first Christmas after the death of Capt. Ernie Wagner. I think it is appropriate to submit the letter in it’s entirety since it is a story about the great Capt. Wagner:

MAY NOTHING YOU DISMAY

It seems fitting somehow to spin a tale this year about Capt. Ernie Wagner who passed away in October. This story may be common knowledge on the river but I don’t recall its being bantered about like other of his tales.

Ernie knew everything there was to know about running an excursion boat. He came up from ice cream vendor, to deck hand, to mate, to captain, to commodore on the Island Queen, the Avalon, the Delta Queen and the Mississippi Queen. And to the end he wasn’t afraid to don work clothes and join the crew in dirty work.

He was dressed like that one day, in a pair of greasy coveralls, puttering around the wharfboat at Cincinnati, when a newly hired young assistant purser reported for work on the Delta Queen. Mistaking Wagner for a bum, this young pup introduced himself and asked if he could do anything for him.

Always the practical joker, Ernie asked him for a job on the boat. He was directed to the business office.

A couple of hours later Wagner, by then dressed in his impressive Captain’s uniform, ran into the new purser again.

“Son, I’ll never forget what you did for me. I went over to the office, and they gave me the job of Captain.”

Like the old steamboats, as Sidney Snooks once wrote, that “have drifted into some cove of green willows around the last bend.” Ernie Wagner is a tradition on the river. He will continue to occupy cherished memories in many of our hearts. Rest easy, Cap.

Merry Christmas ***** Happy New Year 1980 Bert Fenn

Bert and Capt. Wagner are both river treasures that are missed by all who knew them.

Privacy Overview

National Trust for Historic Preservation: Return to home page

Site navigation, america's 11 most endangered historic places.

This annual list raises awareness about the threats facing some of the nation's greatest treasures.

Join The National Trust

Your support is critical to ensuring our success in protecting America's places that matter for future generations.

Take Action Today

Tell lawmakers and decision makers that our nation's historic places matter.

Save Places

• PastForward National Preservation Conference
• Preservation Leadership Forum
• Grant Programs
• National Preservation Awards
• National Trust Historic Sites

Explore this remarkable collection of historic sites online.

Places Near You

Discover historic places across the nation and close to home.

Preservation Magazine & More

Read stories of people saving places, as featured in our award-winning magazine and on our website.

Explore Places

• Distinctive Destinations
• Historic Hotels of America
• National Trust Tours
• Preservation Magazine

Saving America’s Historic Sites

Discover how these unique places connect Americans to their past—and to each other.

Telling the Full American Story

Explore the diverse pasts that weave our multicultural nation together.

Building Stronger Communities

Learn how historic preservation can unlock your community's potential.

Investing in Preservation’s Future

Take a look at all the ways we're growing the field to save places.

About Saving Places

• About the National Trust
• African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
• Where Women Made History
• National Fund for Sacred Places
• Main Street America
• Historic Tax Credits

Support the National Trust Today

Make a vibrant future possible for our nation's most important places.

Leave A Legacy

Protect the past by remembering the National Trust in your will or estate plan.

Support Preservation As You Shop, Travel, and Play

Discover the easy ways you can incorporate preservation into your everyday life—and support a terrific cause as you go.

Support Us Today

• Gift Memberships
• Planned Giving
• Leadership Giving
• Monthly Giving

photo by: Franz Neumeier

11 Most Endangered Historic Places

Delta Queen

• Constructed: 1926
• Architect: William Denny & Brothers Ltd.
• Location: Houma, Louisiana

The Delta Queen, built in 1926, is the last remaining authentic link to our country’s 200-year tradition of passenger steamboat transportation. Listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1989, The Delta Queen’s original interior features include Tiffany-style stained glass windows, hardwood paneling, brass fittings, and a grand staircase crowned by a crystal chandelier. She also retains her original system of engines and boilers, though many have been upgraded or replaced to maintain the boat’s functionality.

photo by: Franz Neumeier/www.steamboats.org

Grand Staircase

Forward Lounge

Delta Queen at sunset

photo by: Phillip Johnson

Unfortunately, in 2008, the Delta Queen’s grandfathered status from a law that prohibits wooden boats from carrying overnight passengers expired. Her inability to provide overnight cruises posed a critical challenge.

Congress granted the Delta Queen a reprieve from this law from 1968 until 2008; without this protection, the ship’s financial viability and historic integrity was called into question. As one of the final legislative acts of the 115th Congress, the House and Senate passed and the President signed legislation in December 2018 that included language reinstating the Delta Queen’s longstanding grandfathered status, which will allow her the opportunity to return to overnight passenger service. After substantial repairs are complete, we look forward to seeing the Delta Queen ply America's great waterways once again.

The decade-long legislative effort to help return the Delta Queen to America's waterways culminated on December 4, 2018, when President Donald Trump signed into law a measure that renews the vessel's exemption from the 1966 Safety at Sea Act. The act enables the Delta Queen to return to overnight cruise service through 2028 after repairs to the 91-year-old steamboat are complete.

Support our work to save places that matter.

Stay connected with us via email. Sign up today.

Sign up for email updates, sign up for email updates email address.

Related Stories

Explore More Places

Join us in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 28-30, 2024. Registration is open!

Stay connected with us via email.

Join our email list to learn more about our work, and how you can help make a difference.

• Nation & World

Historic 1920s Delta Queen riverboat can cruise again

The Delta Queen, which began operation in 1927, was sidelined in 2008 by a federal law prohibiting overnight excursions on wooden vessels. The company expects three- five- and seven-day river cruises to resume in 2020.

Share story

ST. LOUIS — After a decade in dock, the historic 1920s-era Delta Queen riverboat will cruise again.

President Donald Trump signed legislation on Tuesday authorizing the 285-foot-long (87-meter-long) riverboat immortalized in poems and songs to cruise again along the Mississippi and several other rivers.

The Delta Queen was sidelined in 2008 by a federal law prohibiting overnight excursions on wooden vessels. Both U.S. senators from Missouri — Democrat Claire McCaskill and Republican Roy Blunt — co-sponsored a bill to allow the exemption, which requires modifications to the wooden portions of the vessel, most of which are cabins and public areas. The hull is already steel.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in American steamboat history,” Leah Ann Ingram, vice president of the Delta Queen Steamboat Co., said in a statement. “This was the first big step in returning the Delta Queen to the waterways, where she belongs.”

Most Read Nation & World Stories

• Hiker stranded on mountain in freezing rain after being left behind by co-workers
• The new COVID vaccine is out. Why you might not want to rush to get it
• RFK Jr. says wife Cheryl Hines does not support Trump, tells bullies to lay off
• Scientists have a new theory about why orcas are attacking boats
• Haters came for this ‘disappointing’ national park. It’s fighting back.

The Delta Queen began operation in 1927. Passengers have included presidents Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter. It served as a naval ship during World War II and is designated as a National Historic Landmark.

The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. is based in Kimmswick, Missouri, near St. Louis, but the boat itself is undergoing repairs in Houma, Louisiana. The upgrade will include replacing boilers original to the boat, along with generators, plumbing, the steam line and heating and air conditioning. The total cost is estimated at $10 million to $12 million.

The company expects to begin three-, five- and seven-day cruises on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Kanawha, Arkansas and Illinois rivers in 2020. The Delta Queen is expected to visit more than 80 ports each year, including St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Louisville, Kentucky, and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Blunt said more than 170 jobs are expected to be created in Kimmswick, and cited the benefit of many of the cruises beginning and ending there.

“This important part of our nation’s history will create jobs and strengthen our state’s growing tourism industry,” Blunt said in a statement.

• Boats & Barges
• Ports & Terminals
• Legislative/Regulatory
• Dredging & Marine Construction
• General News
• WJ Editorial
• Old Boat Column
• About Waterways Journal
• Subscribe Today
• Digital Edition
• Inland River Guide
• Inland River Record
• IDR Annual Directory
• Inland Marine Expo
• Special Events
• Help Wanted
• Situations Wanted
• Floating Equipment for Sale or Rent
• Boats, Barges Wanted
• Miscellaneous for Sale
• Miscellaneous Wanted
• Public Notices
• Professional Directory
• Real Estate
• Business Opportunity
• View All Categories
• Submit a Classified Ad
• 2024 Inland River Record
• 2024 Inland River Guide
• 2024 IDR Annual Directory
• View All Products

Daughter Of A River Dynasty

The river community is saddened with news of the passing of Letha Jane Greene, 77, on June 20, at Cincinnati, Ohio. Youngest of the four children born to Capt. Tom and Letha Cavendish Greene, Jane, as she was always called, was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University, enjoying a stellar 32-year career as an English teacher at Withrow High School.

Greene was extremely proud of her family’s famous steamboating heritage, which began in 1890 with the founding of Greene Line Steamers by her grandfather, Capt. Gordon C. Greene, and her grandmother, Mary Becker Greene, who was well known for being one of the few licensed women captains. Jane, a friend of this writer, fondly recalled riding, as a youngster, the steamer Gordon C. Greene; she often spent summer vacations from teaching aboard the Delta Queen and later was engaged to give informative lectures, laced with unique historical facts and humor, to passengers.

Following a memorial service on July 2, Greene was interred in the family plot at Newport, Ohio, overlooking the river.

Undoubtedly, the most notable of the 25-plus steamboats of the Greene Line was the Delta Queen. Fabricated at Glasgow, Scotland, the steel framing of the steamboat (along with its twin, the Delta King) was dismantled and sent by steamship to San Francisco before being taken in barges to Stockton, where both vessels were reassem bled and completed. The overall length of the boats was 285 feet including the paddlewheel, originally covered by a metal housing. The crosscompound condensing machinery was obtained from the William Denny & Brothers Shipyard at Dumbarton, Scotland. Two oil-burning water tube boilers provided the steam.

Beginning in 1927, the California Transportation Company operated the lavishly appointed boats in regular service on the Sacramento River between San Francisco and Sacramento.

Both steamers ceased service for a brief time after a new highway linking the two cities was opened in 1940. During World War II, the boats were painted drab gray and used by the United States Navy for duty in San Francisco Bay, the Delta Queen known as YFB-56, a designation for yard ferry boat. At the conclusion of the war, the boats were turned over to the U.S. Maritime Commission.

The Delta Queen was sold at a public sale to Greene Line Steamers, Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 17, 1946. Capt. Tom R. Greene enlisted the aid of his good friend and colleague, Capt. Fred Way, to make arrangements for transfer of the vessel to New Orleans. Boarded up and under tow by the tug Osage, the boat departed April 10, 1947, transited the Panama Canal on May 10–11 and arrived at Harvey, La., on May 19. After a journey of some 5,380 statute miles at sea, the most lengthy salt-water journey ever accomplished by a flat-bottomed sternwheeler, the Avondale Shipyard returned the boat to operating condition. Under its own steam, the boat ascended the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Dravo Corporation’s marine ways at Neville Island, Pa., for a complete renovation that lasted five months. Capt. Way authored a pictorial book, The Saga of the Delta Queen , published in 1951,   chronicling the history of the transplanted West Coast riverboat.

Following the untimely passing of Capt. Tom Greene in 1950, management of the Delta Queen transferred to his widow, Letha, who operated the boat until early 1958 when, due to declining business, it was laid up and advertised for sale. Aided by investors at the eleventh hour, Greene was able to continue the tourist steamboat operation through the 1960s with a skilled and loyal crew, long directed by Capt. Paul Underwood, Capt. Ernest Wagner and Capt. Clarke Hawley. Other masters   who followed included Capt. Don Sanders, Capt. Gabriel Chengery, Capt. Jim Blum and Capt. Mike Williams.

Threatened in 1966 by the Safety of Life at Sea law, prohibiting vessels with wooden superstructures from carrying overnight passengers, an aggressive publicity campaign spearheaded by company official Betty Blake focused national attention on the boat, which was granted an exemption for three years by President Richard Nixon in 1971. Subsequent exemptions under various owners kept the boat in operation until 2008, when it was tied up at New Orleans.

Taken to Chattanooga in 2009 under lease, the moored boat was maintained and operated for several years as a hotel. The revered riverboat currently is moored at Houma, La. With another exemption recently granted, the stately sternwheeler awaits funding to embark on a new saga of steamboating.

Editor’s note: For questions or suggestions regarding the Old Boat Column, Keith Norrington may be contacted by e-mail at [email protected].

Caption for top photo: Painting of the Str. Delta Queen, done by Cincinnati steamboat artist Dorothea Frye (1921-2000) in 1963. (Keith Norrington collection)

• California Transportation Company
• Gordon Greene
• Greene Line Steamers
• Jane Greene
• Letha Jane Greene
• Mary Becker Greene
• sternwheeler

Trending Now

• ARTCo Christens Mv. Royce Wilken, Hosts Open House
• One Year In, Green Diamond Performing Well
• MRC Holds Annual Low Water Tour
• Another Threat Of Longshore Strike
• NTSB Cites Fatigue As Probable Cause Of Allision
• WCI, Nashville District Host Chickamauga Lock Media Tour

Legislative and Corporate History Timeline 1926 - and fabricated on the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland, and shipped to Stockton, California, for final assembly. 1942-1946 - and serve in the Navy as yard ferry boats during World War Two. Their main job was to ferry and care for troops in San Francisco Bay. 1947 - Decommissioned; auctioned to Tom Greene, , travels 5,000 miles from San Francisco Bay, down the west coast, Mexico, and Central America, through the Panama Canal, north through the Caribbean Sea, into the Gulf of Mexico, and finally to the mouth of the Mississippi River at New Orleans. Arrives May 20, 1947. 1948 - Wednesday, June 30, 1948, the Delta Queen set forth from Cincinnati on her inaugural Ohio River passage, a seven-day cruise to Kentucky Lake ($80, plus tax). For the first two months, that’s the only route the DQ traveled. operates the , along with the rest of their fleet for ten more years. Click here for a video of Cincinnati showing the old Greene Line wharf boat, and the riverbank parking lot where passengers could park their cars and embark. (you see the wharf boat at 53 seconds to one minute into the video). and the crew who assembled her in California in 1926. took on a military gray color while serving in World War II. looked May 20, 1947, when she first arrived in New Orleans. Photo courtesy of Keith Norrington. On Facebook, Keith said: "It must have been quite a task to board her up like that -- and then dismantle all of it before the trip to Dravo." Frank X Prudent replied: "C.W.Stoll told me that when the boat got to New Orleans the lumber was sold, and it brought in more than the cost of the lumber and the labor to board her up in California." John Fryant added: "Notice the pretty sheer line of the main deck that's no longer evident today." faces financial problems, but in February - , a California businessman, buys a controlling interest from , saving the company from bankruptcy. and Cincinnati newspapers publish articles about the sale. Queen for a Day offers river cruise as a prize. April - E.J. Quinby locates a steam calliope, makes a down payment in June. Calliope Disagreements break out between Letha Greene and Simonton over management. Simonton, being separated by distance appoints . begins its 1959 season with a Kentucky Derby cruise. Aboard the boat are Richard Simonton and James Maxwell (free-lance writer doing a story for Sports Illustrated.) Perry-Brown hired for advertising and promotion campaign. March - Simonton and Quinby arrange to purchase a steam calliope and refurbish it for a 1960 debut. Queen for a Day holds a special program aboard the boat during Mardi Gras. January - Andrew Lodder sells 36.75 shares of stock; Quinby buys it for cash. Lodder dies suddenly in July. Quinby, Simonton and Perry-Brown fight legislation that would have permitted construction of bridges too low for the to clear (S 1126, HR 7153, HR 8962, HR 1843, HR 5963). Feb. 23 - Calliope premieres in Memphis. Mayor of Memphis and 5,000 citizens turn out to hear it. September - By the end of the 1960 season, the boat operates at full capacity and makes a good profit. pays off bank mortgage. E.J. Quinby winds up his affairs at Shepard Laboratory in Summit, New Jersey, to become more involved in Simonton continues as the majority stockholder, but limits his involvement to writing letters The captain, Paul Underwood, resigns in the middle of the season; GLS hires Captain Wagner of the Avalon (he will begin in the 1962 season). Simonton hires William Muster to work for The Pacific Network, Inc., Simonton's California company. Muster to take an active role in after five more years. April - Greene Line Steamers hires Betty Blake to handle promotion. She formerly worked for the Avalon selling passage and charter cruises. Perry-Brown publicity fired; they continued as advertising agents only. Jack Douglas Organization films a TV show about the . Former Avalon captain Ernest Wagner becomes captain of the . January 31 - Simonton has a second, and more serious, car accident. Although he keeps up active correspondence, he relies more on the help of Quinby and Blake to manage things for him. April - First steamboat race in 33 years between and . Simonton commissions Harold Lloyd, famous comedian of early Hollywood, to act as one of the judges in the steamboat race. At their annual meeting, the GLS stockholders' officially decided to look for a second boat. Simonton particularly interested in the ; he and Quinby go to Stockton to see it. wins the steamboat race by several miles when the new boilers failed to work properly. Simonton shifts management over to Blake, Quinby, and Greene. May - The Act, if passed by both branches, would force the out of operation. After consulting with lawyer William Kohler, Simonton, Muster, and Quinby traveled to Washington, DC, to try to save their boat. As chairman of the board of Greene Line Steamers, . Quinby successfully persuades a two-year delay in enactment. The company promises to either bring the up to modern construction standards or build a new boat to replace her. September - Simonton, Muster, Quinby, and others announced plans to build a new boat at the annual meeting of the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen, at Marietta, Ohio. included various clauses defining safety disclosure and financial responsibility requirements. The law requires ships to disclose safety hazards to potential customers and keep adequate funds on hand to prove financial responsibility in case of any emergency. GLS works to comply with these requirements. September - legislation for construction aid passed and signed by the president. GLS becames eligible for a government-insured loan to finance a new boat. January and February - Muster writes numerous letters to legislators asking for complete exemption or at least a two year reprieve from Safety at Sea Law. March - asking for an operating extension of two years. Other bills in the House were HR 15950 and HR 15580. April - The senate passed S 3102 and it goes to the House; HR 15714 passes the House, then the Senate. April - Bill Muster becomes president of GLS; Betty Blake becomes vice-president. July - President Johnson signs HR 15714 into law (PL 90-435). joins the dedication ceremony at the newly-completed St. Louis arch. British writer and witch Sybil Leek initiates a scandal and curses the boat during the early part of the season. May - Bids for a new boat exceed the resources of GLS, ranging between $8 - 10 million. Muster looks for a sympathetic company to buy the boat and finance new construction. He notifies Congress of an offer to sell to a Sacramento tourist operation. This evokes the sentiments of Rep. Leonore Sullivan (the boat's main congressional proponent), and she tries to help find a buyer who will keep the boat on the Mississippi. May - Final negotiations to sell the boat to begin. agrees to build the new boat and operate both boats on the Mississippi. Muster issues a letter to Congress about the pending sale to . The letter asks for further extensions, considering the setbacks and unexpected high cost of building the new boat. October - two years beyond the present deadline (Nov, 1970). November - Muster closes the sale with and announces his desire to resign after one year. All year long, the company lobbies congress for another extension, launching a mass letter-writting campaign and petition drive. Over the year, a quarter million Americans participate. April - U.S. Dept. of the Interior names the a national historic monument. June 26, the September - unanimously approves HR 15424 (the Merchant Marine bill) with an amendment to save the . In the , chairman of the House Committee on Merchant Marine, refuses to hold hearings on any of the bills pending in his committee. October - amendment, despite a recommendation signed by 195 Congressmen favoring the boat. sets sail on its final voyage - a 2,000 mile journey to New Orleans. City and state officials, high school bands, and throngs of sympathizers lined the shores in river cities and locks, and turned out to meet the Queen for the last time. The press followed the boat down the river and hundreds of articles appeared in local and national papers, and on TV. In New Orleans, jazz bands greeted the boat and gave her an official jazz funeral. Towboats, excursion boats, and fire boats followed the Queen to pay tribute. One Mississippi journalist wrote, "It was something like a New Orleans funeral where you didn't know whether to clap your hands and sing, or cry." October - amendment onto a private relief bill (Elmer M. Grade, HR 6114). The amendment passes the Senate and goes to the House. Because of the nature of the bill, it does not go to Rep. Garmatz's committee, but is considered by the judiciary committee instead. December - When HR 6114 is debated before the House, . He warns that if a disaster ever strikes the , "the blood would be on the hands of Congress." (The incident of the warning letter is covered in the Cincinnati Enquirer and Cincinnati Post, Dec. 3; the December issue of Waterways Journal, and the Dec. 15 Congressional Record. .) December 17 - December 31 - , giving the boat three more years to live. With the last-minute reprieve, and began to plan the 1971 season. The year's media coverage includes the CBS Evening News with Roger Mudd, the NBC news, an ABC TV special ("This Land is Mine"), the Today Show, Life and Newsweek magazines, and a second-time front-page of the New York Times. The Washington Post and newspapers from nearly every state (including Alaska and Hawaii) covere the story of the with hundreds articles and editorials. Three movies and documentaries are produced, including one by National Geographic. A CBS-TV special called "America" features John Hartford singing "Gentle on My Mind," aboard the boat. Johnny Cash appeals to his ABC-TV show audience to save the and sings a song about her. An Oklahoma rock band called "Carp" writes Save the and records it on the Epic label ("Mr. Muster called it treason, he had a damned good reason, he was going to save the .") April - the new season begins with two cruises chartered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. April 29 - Victorious homecoming to Cincinnati. Mayor Willis Gradison proclaims " Day" and the city greets the boat with a red carpet. Media reports festivals and grand receptions in every town the boat visits throughout the year. Muster keeps in touch with legislators advising them of the public's enthusiastic response to the . Aug. 6 - (Similar bills are introduced in the House.) Shortly after S 2470 is announced, the US Coast Guard and Rep. Garmatz each publicly decry the move and vow that they will block any legislation favoring the . September - Garmatz and USCG Chief of Marine Safety Admiral Rae try to discredit the , writing letters to constituents and colleagues claiming that did not make promised repairs to the boat during winter layup. Their allegations spur negative editorials in several newspapers. Muster vigorously defends the by writing to legislators to explain the situation. He also writes rebuttals to Admiral Rae and Coast Guard officials. Bill Muster produces a film called, , and enters it in the Public Relations Society of America Film Festival. During the last four months of 1972, the film plays on numerous TV shows and private showings for groups, clubs, churches, etc. The boat also receives numerous articles and other media coverage throughout the year. (April of 1973, the film wins the Sunset magazine Certificate of Excellence.) August - There is no major campaign to save the boat during 1972, besides PR and safety improvements. However, Blake and Muster lay plans for the 1973 campaign as the boat goes into winter layup in Cincinnati. January - , Inc. signs a contract with Jeffboat, Inc. to build the new boat. February - Muster begins filming and writing a second movie. March - for five years. Many congressmen and several senators follow suit by introducing similar bills. Simultaneously announces their plans to build a new boat. April - Legislators introduce more bills to save the . Throughout the year, Muster keeps up active correspondence with congressmen and senators. His letters kept them informed about pending legislation, safety improvements, and plans to build a new boat. May 2 - A steamboat race between the and the . For the first time in five years, the wins. May - The company unveils a model of the new boat May - Letha Greene releases her book, Long Live the . July - legislation passes the House and goes on to the Senate. In the Senate, the bill is heard, reported on, and passes all in one week. August 16 - September - officially changes its name to Nov. 11 - Dedication of the new hull at Jeffboat shipyards. Numerous legislators and other officials attend. Rep. Sullivan is guest of honor; 143 American newspapers cover the story, along with magazines, radio and TV. December - went into layup for $1 million in repairs and safety improvements. Construction on the new boat progressed steadily. Numerous press releases are issued throughout the year and national media followed the story. Nov. 11 - the hull is launched and christened. February - Muster resigns as president of the corporation, but remains as a director. The races several boats, including the Jullia Belle Swain and the . She wins the race with the Belle, breaking a tie-record of five-to-five. Playboy magazine runs a humorous piece on steamboat races in April. September - asks Muster to act as a marketing and PR consultant. Muster also begins work on his own project, compiling the Travelers' Almanac. November - Press releases announce the new boat's name: . (The name is officially adopted the following March by a corporate resolution.) Main activities of the year included building the new steamboat and meeting with various delays January - Muster releases his first with Rand McNally and a second version comes out at the end of the year. He continues with the steamboat company as a photographer and consultant. April - christened. January - buys the . May 1 - . July 19 - , passes the House of Representatives 367 to 9. October 1 - October 18 - July - Shakedown, Homecoming, and Maiden Voyages proceed on schedule. The boat suffers from numerous mechanical problems caused by faulty engineering and construction, thus it had to return to the shipyard for repairs. When repair of the are arranged in November 1976, it's already too late for an adequate marketing job for 1977. Considering the difficult circumstances and shortness of time, and Coca-Cola officials ask Bill Muster to develop a last-minute marketing and advertising campaign. April - Steamboat Company. The following month, the advertising account shifts back to Cincinnati. May - Betty Blake wins the Woman of the Year Award from DATO. July - Despite losing the account and suffering personal inconvenience, In a letter to Sullivan, Muster wrote: "I'm quite disappointed in Coke's handling and management of the and . . . . So far, they don't seem interested in my advice or in utilizing the experience of people such as Betty Blake. Instead, they keep blundering along, apparently with the hope that a miracle will happen." August - (not related to the ). August - and returns to Coca-cola. A merger deal with Prudential Lines falls through, but one of Prudential's executives is hired to replace Thune as general manager. October - . ( .) 1978 - good times as the Delta Queen continues in the cruise business. 1979 - President Jimmy Carter takes a cruise on the ; visits Hannibal, Missouri. 1979 - Betty Blake resigns in June. 1979 - Captain Wagner dies. 1979 - Richard Simonton dies (1915-1979). 1981 - an extended exemption. 1982 - Betty Blake dies. 1988 - Leitha Greene dies. 1989 - Bill Muster dies (1926 - 1989). 1992 - Fred Way, Jr. dies (1901 - 1992). 1993 - acquires the bankrupt American Global Line, i.e. American Hawaii Cruises. 1994 - changes its name to . 1996 - Steedman Hinckley, CEO of Overseas National Airways dies. goes into bankruptcy. Following is a brief summary from am October 28, 2001 news article that shows how , the original packet company that brought the to the Mississippi River in 1946. ( to read entire article.) rise and fall goes back to 1890, when the firm began as the Greene Line, a freight and passenger steamboat company. In 1946, the company bought the steamboat, a historic vessel built in 1927. In 1973, the company changed its name to Steamboat Co., and three years later it launched its second luxury steamboat, The . In the early 1990s, Steamboat Co. began a series of dramatic changes. In 1992, the company went public, and the next year it expanded into the Hawaiian islands with the . In 1994, the parent company and launched its third riverboat, the , the next year. In the late 1990s, the company began rolling out new cruises under the Coastal Voyages brand. The line offered small, luxury cruises off the East Coast and Pacific Northwest. American Classic Voyages' business plan, which drew cheers from some Wall Street analysts, was to build on its core market of older, affluent travelers—a market that was poised to mushroom with the baby boomer generation heading toward retirement. May 7 - The U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware, approves the sale of steamboats , , and to Buffalo, N.Y. - based for about $80 million. Delaware North is a privately held firm with operating subsidiaries in food service, retail, sports and hospitality management in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. , , and to of Seattle, a subsidiary of parent company . Majestic already owns the and the ; Ambassador International has an additional fleet of oceangoing ships. Aug. 1 - announces that the would cease operations at the end of the 2008 season because of its . October - The steamboat community and several people people close to the 1970 form a legislation. Save the Campaign continues. April 24 & May 6 - Mary Greene dies March 30, 2009 January to April - docks in Chattanooga and begins to give shore tours; opens as . The boat is leased to the ; parent company . Selling the is being handled by an investment banking group called , of Little Rock. Save the Campaign continues. continues in Chattanooga, but goes up for sale in August for $4.75m. In May, steamboat fans spotted the in a government mothball fleet in Texas. The US government repossessed the boat after default on government-backed loans. Also in May, the is towed to Harvey Canal for dismantling. , headed by Jeff Krida, buys the for $15 million and sets a date to put her back into service. May - in bankruptcy; U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware approves the sale of the and to for $39 million cash. Xanterra, based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, runs concessions and activities at national and state parks. Steamboat begins travel, reinstating paddlewheel steamboat cruises on the Mississippi River system in April. She is re-christened by Priscilla Presley on April 27, and competes in the annual steamboat race May 2. Effective July 1, the changes its name to the . Vocal critics in Chattanooga lobby Mayor Andy Berke to evict the from the city's waterfront marina. January and February, the suffers water damage due to frozen pipes in unusually cold weather. The hotel closes in February. In June signs a deal to sell the to , who revive the name, . leaves Chatanooga March 22, arrives Houma, Louisiana, April 7 to undergo renovations to prepare for Coast Guard and insurance certification. legislation pending in the House (H.R. 1248) and Senate (S. 1717). September 10 - DQSC names Kimmswick, Missouri, as the homeport and corporate headquarters for the . Legislation still pending in the House (H.R. 1248) and Senate (S. 1717). The Delta Queen Steamboat Company and the boat's supporters continue to lobby Congress for approval to carry passengers overnight. April 3 - S. 89 passes the Senate eighty-four to twelve. Media coverage: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Patrick Doornbos posted 49 photos of the Delta Queen taken September 30, 2020. Here at steamboats.com we think the boat looks darn good for being tied up since 2008. Cornel Martin said: "To those who continue to support us, thank you! To those who are disappointed, all I can say is we are doing our very best to save this National Treasure." Old intro. page: Can you Stay On The Delta Queen Riverboat Chattanooga? No, you cannot stay on the Delta Queen Riverboat in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2023. The latest Delta Queen update is that it has been moved to undergo a complete restoration and will hopefully return to its duty of carrying passengers on three, five and seven-night river voyages. I had the opportunity to spend a night on the historic and elegant riverboat when it was used as a floating hotel moored in Chattanooga. Here is my experience and some Delta Queen history. Past Lane Travels contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information. A Memorable Night Aboard The Historic Delta Queen Spending a night aboard the iconic riverboat, was a one of those memorable lifetime experiences and one that was once on my travel bucket list. For those who don’t know its history, the legendary Delta Queen Paddlewheel Steamboat was the last fully operational, overnight passenger steamboat in the country before being turned into a floating hotel, moored in Chattanooga. During a trip in 2013 (which I called my “Magical History Tour”), I logged 2,581 miles, visiting nine states in seven days. Spending a night on board this historic and legendary paddlewheel boat was one of the highlights. Considering the turn of events, I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity to stay at the Delta Queen Riverboat hotel while it was located in Chattanooga. All Aboard The Delta Queen Chattanooga Stepping board the Delta Queen riverboat hotel is like taking a nostalgic trip back in time. Built in the 1920s, the boat is lavishly decorated and retains its historic atmosphere. As someone said, it’s like staying at a Victorian bed-and-breakfast on water. In her storied historic career, the Delta Queen riverboat logged more than  two million miles and carried more than half a million passengers. The attention to detail is clear right from the start. As a matter of fact, at the time the Delta Queen was built in the mid 1920s, the normal cost of a boat was $75,000. Her final cost however was $850,000! When you see the Tiffany-style stained glass windows, rich hardwood paneling, gleaming brass, and the beautiful Grand Staircase crowned by an elegant crystal chandelier, you can understand how the costs added up. The lounges and public areas are roomy and comfortable; and the entire boat features mahogany and cherry wood trim. As a result of her stylish and luxurious trimmings, the Delta Queen entertained U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries and a multitude of celebrities. Some of the Delta Queen’s most notable guests were: President Herbert Hoover, President Harry Truman, President Jimmy Carter, Princess Margaret, John Wayne and Elizabeth Taylor. But lots of not-so-famous people had the opportunity to experience the hospitality of the Delta Queen over the years as well. The Riverboat Race And War History For instance, on June 26, 1938, the Delta Queen riverboat raced the Port of Stockton for a distance of 17 miles. She carried 900 passengers who paid 50 cents each, and, unfortunately lost the race by a whisker. As if that history wasn’t enough, the Delta Queen served the U.S. Navy as a floating barracks, training facility and troop ferry from 1940-1946. She is even credited with ferrying (as many as 3,200 men at once) wounded Pearl Harbor victims ashore from large ships. For that feat, she was awarded two medals: An American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. In 1989, the Delta Queen was designated a National Historic Landmark, and in January of 2004, she was inducted into the National Maritime Hall of Fame. A Peek Inside The Cabin Aboard The Delta Queen I have to admit, by today’s standards the regular quarters in the Delta Queen hotel were small and the doorways were short. I’m 5’ 9” so I had a little trouble in the low doorway department. The door of the bathroom gave me the most trouble. It was very narrow and even shorter than the cabin door… something I had to get used to. Still, I enjoyed seeing the brass fixtures and the lights that remain just as they were in the 1920s. It’s hard to imagine what it would cost in today’s world to start from scratch and replicate the accents of quality that abound. The brass, the Tiffany glass, the polished wood, all contribute to the charm and extravagance of the by-gone era and make it easy to imagine that you have stepped back in time. A Unique And Memorable Experience I often stay at historic Bed and Breakfasts or restored hotels, but being on the water and being surrounded by so many special touches adds another level of allure. It’s impossible not to feel and sense the presence of history at every turn — a truly unique experience! And what could be more romantic or wonderful for a historical fiction author than to experience the traditional southern charm of a Mississippi riverboat? Getting the opportunity to spend a night at the Delta Queen hotel was something I will never forget. Visiting Tennessee? Put the Dickson-Williams Mansion on your bucket list. Passing The Time Aboard A Floating Riverboat Hotel The afternoon we arrived was pleasant so we sat on the deck in rocking chairs and watched the boat traffic on the river. Although not as busy as the Mississippi, which I had the opportunity to see later in my trip, there were a few tourist boats on the Tennessee River. In the evening I went a few doors down to check out the bar, then relaxed in the downstairs lobby in a deep, comfortable leather chair. Right beside where the historic riverboat was moored, I discovered a park, complete with an old-time (indoor) carousel. The Tennessee Aquarium is also close by, accessed by the world’s longest walking bridge across the Tennessee River. This also takes visitors to the city’s Arts District and museums in Chattanooga. There are shops located in an old mill near to the Delta Queen as well so it’s a great location to use as home base during a visit to Chattanooga. After dark, we were treated to a fireworks show over the water that was spectacular! I didn’t do very well in the picture-taking, but trust me, it was loud and colorful! Is The Delta Queen Steamboat Haunted? For all of the ghost hunters out there, I did get up in the middle of the night and walk around the deck, but I didn’t see anything — not even the spirit of the captain that supposedly haunts the boat. The only problem I found while staying board the historic Steamboat Hotel was falling in love with the past and not wanting to return to the hectic pace of the present. If you’re in Chattanooga and you want to see some ghosts, check out this 1.5-hour Cemetery Ghost Hunt in Chattanooga. RELATED: The 14 Most Haunted Places in Gettysburg Facts About the Delta Queen Riverboat The  Delta Queen is 285 feet long, 58 feet wide, and draws 11.5 feet (3.5 m). She weighs 1,650 tons and has a capacity of 176 passengers. The cross-compound steam engines generate about 2,000 horsepower, which power a stern-mounted paddlewheel. Another unusual feature of the Delta Queen is her steam calliope, mounted on the Texas deck aft of the pilothouse. It covers approximately three octaves, and used to play while she was docking and undocking. Here is a video of the famous riverboat’s final voyage in 2015 featuring the calliope. What Happened To The Delta Queen? The Delta Queen was forced to retire in 2008 because her exemption from the 1966 Safety at Sea act expired. This law prohibits ocean-bound vessels from carrying overnight passengers unless completely made of non-combustible materials. Even though she was never more than several hundred yards from shore, this law applied to the Delta Queen. Congress approved nine exemptions over four decades to allow the riverboat to continue operations until 2008. Where Is the Delta Queen Hotel Now? While moored in Houma, Louisiana for restoration, the Delta Queen was impacted by a direct hit from Hurricane Ida on August 21, 2021. Amazingly, despite being subjected to winds in excess of 150 mph for more than an hour, the Delta Queen did not suffer any major structural damage. However the storm ripped away some of the waterproofing membrane on the roof, as well as several sections of handrail along the stern (rear) of the vessel. Several doors were damaged and about a dozen windows were broken. It’s a true testament to the craftsmanship of the Delta Queen riverboat’s builders that she held up so well, especially when compared to adjacent structures in the area. Once funding is secured, the the Delta Queen Steamboat Company plans to replace the boilers, which are original to the boat and constructed in 1919. The generators, main steam line, heating and air, plumbing and galley will also be either upgraded or replaced entirely in this massive historic preservation effort. Common areas and staterooms will undergo various cosmetic updates. All Aboard The Delta King If you feel like you’ve missed out on a great opportunity to spend the night in an authentic riverboat, don’t despair. The Delta Queen Steamboat has a twin brother, the Delta King! This authentic paddlewheel riverboat has been revived to its former glory and converted into a boutique hotel. It is moored along the Old Sacramento Waterfront, and provides riverfront dining, nightlife, conference facilities, and a beautiful riverside wedding venue.  Moored in Sacramento, California, the Delta King is a riverboat hotel that offers 44 beautiful high-class rooms with breakfast. Historic Timeline Of The Delta Queen ☑️ The Delta Queen and Delta King were created in Scotland from 1924 to 1927, and was then shipped in pieces to Stockton, California, where it was reassembled. ☑️ December 12, 1925 – Delta Queen was launched in Stockton, California ☑️ The “royal twins” were christened on May 20, 1927 ☑️ June 2, 1927 – Maiden voyage from San Francisco to Sacramento ☑️ June 26, 1938 – Delta Queen and Port of Stockton raced 17 miles from Sacramento down river to Clarksburg. Delta Queen carried 900 passengers who paid 50 cents each. Port of Sacramento won by a whisker. ☑️ Autumn 1940 to August 1946 – Served U.S. Navy as floating barracks, training facility and troop ferry. Placed in service as Yard House Boat, she ferried (up to 3,200 men at once) wounded Pearl Harbor victims ashore from large ships. ☑️ December 17, 1946 – Delta Queen sale confirmed for $46,250 to Cincinnati, Ohio’s Greene Line Steamers. ☑️ April 19 – May 18, 1947 – Delta Queen crated and towed more than 5,000 miles from California through the Panama Canal to New Orleans. ☑️ Summer 1947 – Summer 1948 – Delta Queen proceeds under her own power to Pittsburgh and undergoes $750,000 in renovations. ☑️ April 1963 – Delta Queen and Belle of Louisville race and it is a publicity success. ☑️ 1966 – Congress passed law banning wooden superstructures with more than 50 guests but the Delta Queen was granted two-year exemption, which was later extended to 1970. ☑️ June 1970 – Delta Queen was added to the National Register of Historic Places. ☑️ October 21 – November 1, 1970 – Farewell cruise from St. Paul to NOLA because exemption expired. ☑️ December 1970 – A new exemption added as an amendment to another bill and signed into law! ☑️ September 1971 – Delta Queen is contracted to carry U.S. mail with its own postmark. ☑️ August 17 – 24, 1979 – President Jimmy Carter and his family ride a St. Paul to St. Louis cruise. ☑️ 1989 – The Delta Queen is designated National Historic Landmark. ☑️ January 2004 – The Delta Queen is inducted into National Maritime Hall of Fame. RELATED STORY: If You Enjoy Historic Hotels, check out 106 Jefferson in Huntsville The Delta Queen Steamboat Company The current owner of the paddlewheel riverboat is the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, which traces its roots back to 1890. At that time, Gordon C. Greene and his wife Mary Becker Greene purchased a steamboat by the name of H.K. Bedford and operated it under the flag of the Greene Line Steamers. The family-run business continued to operate steamboats on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, eventually entering the tourist trade. In 1974, the company changed names to the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Following a succession of owners, the company ceased operations in 2008, when the Delta Queen was forced into retirement following the expiration of legislation permitting vessels of wooden construction from operating. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company is now owned and operated by a team of supporters dedicated to preserving the nation’s last authentic overnight steamboat. Where To Stay In Chattanooga Even if you can’t stay on the Delta Queen, there are still plenty of unique accommodations in Chattanooga! It’s a great city with Lookout Mountain being a must-see for history buffs! Moxy Chattanooga Downtown Marriot : Unique pet-friendly hotel with free cocktail for guests! The Read House : 4-star hotel with indoor pool. Bluff View Inn : 3-star B&B with 2 restaurants Things to Do In Chattanooga Chattanooga Trolley and Train Ride Adults-Only Haunted City Walk Swincar Back-Country Tour Other Tours and Activities Author and Travel Blogger Jessica James is an award-winning historical fiction author and life-long Gettysburg resident who loves sharing her passions for history and travel. She enjoys exploring the back roads of the USA and uncovering stories about unique destinations, cultures and almost-forgotten history. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I worked on the DQ from 89 until Katrina forced me to leave. Lots of memories, worked with great people. The crew was like family. I bet that was a great experience! Can’t imagine being surrounded by that beautiful craftsmanship and history every day. NKY COMMUNITY CALENDAR Northern Kentucky's Newspaper The River: Memories to be made, from Air Force to return to river aboard Delta Queen The riverboat captain is a storyteller, and Captain Don Sanders shares the stories of his long association with the river — from discovery to a way of love and life. This a part of a long and continuing story, first published in August, 2020. By Capt. Don Sanders Special to NKyTribune It wasn’t more than a week after I separated from the Air Force during the last week of December 1969, that I gave Captain Ernest E. Wagner a phone call from a booth near his home in New Richmond, Ohio. Though I could have called from my house in Covington, not so far away, instead, I drove close to where Captain Wagner lived and found a telephone booth outside the Frisch’s Big Boy restaurant. I was hoping that the Captain might invite me to drop by his place facing the Ohio River to “talk it over” when I proposed to return to the DELTA QUEEN as a crewmember. Just over four years and three months earlier, I departed the DELTA QUEEN beneath the yet uncompleted Gateway Arch in St. Louis in the company of Mrs. Letha Greene and her daughter Jane for a commercial jet plane ride from St. Louis to Cincinnati. Mrs. Greene was the President of the Greene Line Steamers, Inc., owners of the QUEEN. Jane and I were friends from the steamboat, ever since I started working as a “clock puncher” soon after graduating from college, patrolling the nooks and crannies of the boat while most of the passengers and crew slept. My official title, WATCHMAN, was boldly embroidered in gold letters, not less than one-half-inch high on my boat cap hatband. Besides the Detex mechanical clock, my associate night watchman and I took turns carrying, the United States Coast Guard Regulations 46 CFR § 78.30-15 carefully specified that we wear an armband on our left sleeve marked “WATCHMAN.” Regs also required watchkeepers to carry an “efficient flashlight” while one or the other of us “made a round” of the DELTA QUEEN once every 20 minutes. After a few weeks of “punching the clock,” the regular watchman returned from his vacation, so I found a slot open in the engine room as an apprentice engineer, or “Striker,” as they were known. By early September 1965, I was off the steamboat and on my way to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where, after three months of Officer Training School, I received my gold bars as a Second Lieutenant. By the time I separated from active duty, two promotions and four years active duty found me leaving the “flyboys” as an O-3, or Captain, in the USAF. Captain Wagner answered his telephone and sounded surprised to hear me calling his home, and even more surprising was my request asking for my job back aboard the steamboat. Cap had served as a “Topkick” in the Army on Peleliu Island during World War II and participated in what has been called “the most difficult fight that the U.S. military encountered in the entire war.” His bewilderment came after finding I’d forsaken an officer’s slot in the Air Force in hopes of returning to the riverboat. Instead of inviting me over to his nearby home, Captain Wagner asked if I “wanted to return to the engineroom,” or “go on deck.” I chose the deck as that was the avenue to the pilothouse and fulfilling my ambition geared to becoming a Captain of the DELTA QUEEN as quickly as possible.  Cap said to call the Greene Line Office the following week and arrange for a flight to New Orleans where the DELTA QUEEN was undergoing improvements at the Dixie Machine Docks on the Industrial Canal in the Crescent City. Like most of the airplane flights I’d ridden to New Orleans, the final approach to the airport usually lays hidden beneath a heavy fog covering the city and surroundings like a thick cotton blanket. Only at the last moment does the ground suddenly break out of the overcast, and then it seems like the aircraft is weaving between the tall cypress trees in the swamps, below, surrounding the city. Such images have, over the years, caused strange dreams where the airliner I’m riding lands and takes off on city streets as the aircraft wiggles between tree branches, beneath power lines, and between light poles. Though I carry a commercial aircraft pilot’s license, I like may other pilots I’ve talked to on the subject, loathe flying if not occupying a seat inside the cockpit. Like many GIs stationed in the Republic of Korea during the Vietnam War Era, I had several smartly-fitted and well-cut suits made at the Yongsan PX by “Hong Kong” tailors. The same for a couple of custom-made, soft leather, pairs of zippered boots. Both the handmade garments and boots were of my design, while the quality and materials seemed as fine as anything I bought at Eilerman’s Men’s Store back home. Once safely on the ground, I collected my baggage and stuffed my belongings into the trunk of a black and white hack belonging to the United Cab Company; I asked the driver to deposit me and my plunder at the Dixie Machine Works docks on the Industrial Canal. I’d chosen to wear a silk-like, double-breasted, gray suit with matching, flare-bottom trousers and a pair of soft, less-than-mid-calf, brown, zippered boots. My headgear was a matching gray flannel top hat my dad bought for the Covington Sesquicentennial a few years earlier that he gave to me at my request. The only missing accessories were a gold-handled cane and a gold-plated derringer pistol with iridescent mother-of-pearl grips. The DIXIE Machine Company dock was alive with turmoil and excitement as a small army of workers swarmed about on several boats. The largest was the DELTA QUEEN, and it was a distance from where the cab stopped and piled my luggage in a heap. Getting to the QUEEN was my responsibility as I grabbed the bags after carefully adjusting the gray topper atop my head. Intentionally, I desired to make the impression that a 19th Century dandy was arriving aboard the steamboat. Still, I was unprepared for the reception I received as I strode toward the DELTA QUEEN Gradually, the noise of the shipyard ceased from an uproar to a murmur as all work stopped, and every pair on eyes in the yard followed my path toward the boat. The closer I got to the QUEEN, the more self-conscience I became of the attention directed at my arrival. Though I would have relished finding a hiding hole, I knew I had to keep up the charade at least to the safety of the steamboat beyond the gaping eyes of the boatyard workmen. Later, I was to find; the workers generally thought most of the DELTA QUEEN crewmembers were oddly-different than most boat crews they were used to servicing at the Dixie yard. Once aboard the DELTA QUEEN, I looked for Captain Wagner who carefully scrutinized my matching gray outfit for a moment before assigning a crewman to help me with my bags to the Second Mate’s Room, a tiny cubical just inside the entrance to the Officers’ Quarters on the starboard side of the Sun Deck behind the pilothouse and alongside the smokestack. That night, alone in my cubbyhole, I questioned why I left the comfort of the Air Force to be back aboard the aging steamboat and wondered if I made an error in judgment. Though my eyes misted a little, I refused to shed a tear. Early the next morning, after a good night’s sleep aboard the DELTA QUEEN, my first in over four years, I awoke to the familiar smell of Canadian Bacon frying in the cookhouse. Before long, I was dressed and hurried eagerly below to get my first assignment as the unlicensed Second Mate. Captain Clarke “Doc” Hawley, the QUEEN’s First Mate and Alternate Captain with Captain Wagner assigned me a crew and orders to get into the steamboat’s 26-ton, white-oak paddlewheel, and begin preparing it for the start of the upcoming season. Little did I realize what an eventful and exciting year lay ahead. I had no idea, then, of all that was in store for the QUEEN and me during the coming months forever remembered in steamboat lore as the historic “Save the DELTA QUEEN Year” of 1970. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • You can still purchase Captain Don Sanders’ The River book. ORDER YOUR RIVER BOOK HERE Capt. Don Sanders The River: River Rat to steamboatman, riding ‘magic river spell’ to 65-year adventure is now available for $29.95 plus handling and applicable taxes. This beautiful, hardback, published by the NKyTribune, is 264-pages of riveting storytellings, replete with hundreds of pictures from Capt. Don’s collection — and reflects his meticulous journaling, unmatched storytelling, and his appreciation for detail. This historically significant book is perfect for the collections of every devotee of the river. You may purchase your book by mail from the Northern Kentucky Tribune — or you may find the book for sale at all Roebling Books locations and at the Behringer Crawford Museum and the St. Elizabeth Healthcare gift shops. Order your Captain Don Sanders’ ‘The River’ book here .  3 thoughts on “ The River: Memories to be made, from Air Force to return to river aboard Delta Queen ” A wonderful story that touches my childhood and is a reminder of missing by a mere year or so of possibly meeting Second Mate Donald Sanders on the DELTA QUEEN. In the summer of 1968, my family and I were privileged to take a day cruise on the DQ with our local historical society. We met Capt. Wagner, Mate/Alternate Capt. “Doc” Hawley, and Pilot Sewell Smith among others of the crew. Thanks, Capt. Don and NKYTribune! Capt. Sanders has had one heck of a life! Very interesting to read about his return to the Delta Queen. Yet again Capt Don brings to life the ‘Life & times of the Delta Queen’. The wonder of the boat herself & the crew in the 60s-70,s that added to her wonder. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Rollin' on the river: Delta Queen steamboat to again travel the Mississippi The historic Delta Queen steamboat could be cruising the Mississippi River and other inland waterways in 2020, now that it has received an exemption from federal safety regulations that kept it from making overnight excursions. But first, its owners must secure about $12 million for renovations to make the vessel riverworthy again. On Dec. 4, President Donald Trump signed into law an exemption that allows the wooden steamboat to operate, despite a 1966 safety regulation that requires such vessels to be constructed of noncombustible materials. Discussions with potential investors hinged on that exemption and are now moving full speed ahead, said Cornel Martin, president of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company . “There was always the same response: ‘We're interested, but come talk to us once the exemptions are approved,’" he said. “We actually are pursuing four different groups now. There are people very, very interested in preserving and securing and seeing the Delta Queen up and running again.’’ The 90-year-old sternwheeler has been out of cruise service since 2008 and is currently docked in Houma, Louisiana. Once renovations are complete, it will be headquartered in Kimmswick, Missouri, about 25 miles south of St. Louis. The Delta Queen has 88 cabins and can accommodate 176 passengers and a crew of 80. It will sail along the nation’s inland waterways — including the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio and Arkansas rivers — and will stop at more than 80 ports. “We’re hesitant to try to peg it to a day in 2020 or even a timeframe until we get the engineering and design work approved by the U.S. Coast Guard — which, you know, could be a rather long lead time,’’ Martin said. The Delta Queen operated as a hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from 2009 to 2014, so the interior of the vessel has been kept in good condition and will require only cosmetic repairs, Martin said. The steamboat’s original features include Tiffany-style stained-glass windows, hardwood paneling and a grand staircase with crystal chandelier. “We've been doing some maintenance on board to keep her safe and secure and dry,’’ he said. “But the real bulk of the renovations that need to be done are in the mechanical systems. And those are all big-ticket items. So, we really couldn't move forward with those before now.’’ The exemption received bipartisan support from Missouri’s congressional delegation, including Republican U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt and Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, who pressed for it for several years. “It's a great early Christmas present for all of us who love and support the Delta Queen and have been working to try to get her back up on the rivers again,’’ Martin said. The ownership group has developed plans to replace the steamboat’s century-old boilers, Martin said. They were built in 1919 and intended for a Navy destroyer that was never built. The government sold the boilers as surplus. Other major renovations include replacing the vessel’s generators and sewage-treatment system, as well as the heating and air-conditioning systems. “The electrical panels that are onboard are going to have to be enclosed in a non-combustible space with a dedicated fire-suppression system,’’ he said. “These are all things we agreed to in the legislation to make the boat safer.” The exemption also requires the Delta Queen’s owners to annually convert at least 10 percent of the wooden sections of its superstructure to noncombustible materials, giving priority to areas near engines, boilers and fuel tanks. The Delta Queen is a throwback to the bygone days of the steamboat era. It was built in 1926 and originally ferried passengers, vehicles and freight between Sacramento and San Francisco. During World War II, it transported soldiers from the docks in San Francisco to ships anchored in the harbor. Greene Line Steamers of Cincinnati bought the Delta Queen in 1946 and had it towed through the Panama Canal to New Orleans. The steamboat was refurbished and began cruising the Mississippi and its tributaries in 1947. The Delta Queen is the last of the nation’s authentic steamboats that are viable enough to return to cruise service, Martin said. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989 and is a favorite with history buffs. “She's carried three presidents. She's carried royalty. She's carried countless celebrities, musicians, actors and other famous people. And she's just part of our history,’’ he said. Beginning in 1966, the Delta Queen received nine exemptions that grandfathered the vessel from the 1966 Safety of Life at Sea Act, which regulates passenger vessels carrying 50 or more passengers overnight on domestic U.S. waters. Previous owners let the exemption lapse, but Martin said his group has been trying to get the steamboat back in the water since buying it in 2012. The Coast Guard opposed the exemption , but Martin believes his company will be able to work with the Coast Guard to address safety concerns. The Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation estimates that the Delta Queen will create about 170 jobs in the St. Louis area, once it begins operating out of Kimmswick. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company operated a restaurant for a time in Kimmswick, but Martin said there are no plans to reopen it when the Delta Queen begins operating from the site. “The concept of the restaurant was to put a foothold in Kimmswick and to basically let people know that we were there to stay,’’ Martin said. “We didn't want to just have an announcement that the boat was coming and then two years later, people were scratching their heads saying, ‘What happened to those people?’ We're a cruise company, not really a restaurant company. And I think the restaurant served its purpose.’’ Follow Mary Delach Leonard on Twitter: @marydleonard   Delta Queen Hotel Best Riverboat In The States! Delta Queen Riverboat Hotel The Legendary Delta Queen now moored in Chattanooga, the last fully operational, overnight passenger steamboat in the country, is the newest landmark Chattanooga hotel . This grand lady had logged over two million miles, carried over half a million passengers and is the only boat to be inducted into the National Marine Hall of Fame while still in service. She has entertained Presidents, foreign dignitaries and a multitude of celebrities. Chattanooga accommodations are right in the middle of the vibrant North Shore scene at Coolidge Park Landing. Plenty of self parking is located near our dock and available to the guests. The Delta Queen is a quick drive or an enjoyable walk (across the Pedestrian Bridge) to the Southside of the Tennessee River and the heart of downtown Chattanooga where many area attractions reside such as the Tennesee Aquarium and Hunter Museum of Art. The Delta Queen offers an ideal base of operations for your exploration of Chattanooga attractions .  All aboard for a unique Chattanooga hotel experience… So, if you’re looking for something extraordinary among the offerings of Chattanooga hotels, right in the middle of the action, with a bed rocking to the rhythm of the Tennessee River, the Delta Queen is your choice for an unforgettable stay in the Scenic City. Delta Queen Steamboat Company The reformed Delta Queen Steamboat Company traces its roots back to 1890, when Gordon C. Greene and his wife Mary Becker Greene purchased a steamboat by the name of H.K. Bedford and operated it under the flag of the Greene Line Steamers. The family-run business operated steamboats on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, eventually entering the tourist trade. In 1974, the company changed names to the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, as we know it today. Following a succession of owners, the company ceased operations in 2008, when the Delta Queen was forced into retirement following the expiration of legislation permitting vessels of wooden construction from operating. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company is now owned and operated by a team of partners dedicated to preserving the nation’s last authentic overnight steamboat. Don’t miss the boat! We appreciate your patience as the Delta Queen secures the necessary funds and resources to begin our extensive renovation process. We look forward to welcoming you aboard as soon as it’s possible to do so. To stay in the loop, please sign up for updates here . 254 IMAGES Delta Queen Delta Queen Delta Queen A view of the paddlewheel steamboat Delta Queen on the Mississippi Delta Queen riverboat will voyage on Arkansas River Delta Queen VIDEO Delta Queen Journey from intercoastal waterway to Mobile AL River Boat Queen Mississippi Queen Steamboat rolling down the river playing the Calliope Labadee Haiti Dragons Breath Zip Line Royal Caribbean's Private Island Destination American Queen Riverboat Delta Queen calls to us all COMMENTS Delta Queen Steamboat Company Once the renovation process is complete, the Delta Queen will return to the waterways of America's Heartland and Deep South, giving passengers the opportunity to experience the rivers from America's only authentic 1927 overnight paddlewheel steamboat. At this time, the historic vessel is securing resources to begin major renovations so she ... Delta Queen Delta Queen. The Delta Queen is an American sternwheel steamboat. She is known for cruising the major rivers that constitute the tributaries of the Mississippi River, particularly in the American South, although she began service in California on the Sacramento River delta for which she gets her name. She was docked in Chattanooga, Tennessee ... Delta Queen Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review The current shipowner is the Kimmswick Missouri -based Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Delta Queen has a cross-compound steam powerplant, which engines generate 1,5 MW power output. As propulsion, the boat is moved by its stern-mounted paddlewheel. This riverboat is the last surviving (original) overnight steam-powered cruise ship on Mississippi ... Delta Queen The Delta Queen is the nation's last authentic overnight passenger steamboat that is still fully intact and capable of traveling the inland waterways of America. The legendary vessel and her identical twin, the Delta King, were built in 1926 and entered service on June 2, 1927. At the time, they were the most extravagant river steamboats ever ... Reservations Reservations. The Delta Queen will offer 3-10 night cruises operating throughout the Mississippi River and its tributaries following a multi-million dollar refurbishment including new boilers and many other safety upgrades. Please sign up below to be among the first to receive updates on the project and notifications when reservations open. Delta Queen On November 27th, 2018, US Congress has granted a new exemption to allow the historic Delta Queen to return to the rivers as a cruise ship. According to Cornel Martin, President and CEO of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, the Delta Queen was projected to return to service in 2020. This will probably be delayed in the wake of the coronavirus ... Delta Queen The Delta Queen, built in 1926, is the last remaining authentic link to our country's 200-year tradition of passenger steamboat transportation. Listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1989, The Delta Queen's original interior features include Tiffany-style stained glass windows, hardwood paneling, brass fittings, and a grand staircase ... Delta Queen Steamboat Company The Delta Queen at the start of the 2004 Great Steamboat Race. The Greene Line was a line of river steamships along the Ohio River. The name was changed in 1973 to Delta Queen Steamboat Company. History. The company was started in 1890 by Gordon C. Greene with Henry K. Bedford. The History Of The Delta Queen Riverboat December 12, 1925 - Delta Queen was launched in Stockton, California. The "royal twins" were christened on May 20, 1927. June 2, 1927 - Maiden voyage from San Francisco to Sacramento. June 26, 1938 - Delta Queen and Port of Stockton raced 17 miles from Sacramento down river to Clarksburg. Delta Queen carried 900 passengers who paid 50 ... Delta Queen Steamboat Company Delta Queen Steamboat Company. 15,923 likes · 6 talking about this. The only official facebook source for current information on the Delta Queen Steamboat. This page is managed by the current... The River: Last river journey for regal Delta Queen: 'Tied off at The steamboat DELTA QUEEN landed alongside the retired Steamer SPRAGUE, the largest steam, sternwheel towboat ever built. Meanwhile, on the Main Deck, near the head of the boat, Benton, myself ... Historic 1920s Delta Queen riverboat can cruise again The Delta Queen, which began operation in 1927, was sidelined in 2008 by a federal law prohibiting overnight excursions on wooden vessels. The company expects three- five- and seven-day river ... Daughter Of A River Dynasty Undoubtedly, the most notable of the 25-plus steamboats of the Greene Line was the Delta Queen. Fabricated at Glasgow, Scotland, the steel framing of the steamboat (along with its twin, the Delta King) was dismantled and sent by steamship to San Francisco before being taken in barges to Stockton, where both vessels were reassem bled and ... Delta Queen Timeline Legislative and Corporate History Timeline. pre-1958. 1926 - Delta Queen and Delta King fabricated on the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland, and shipped to Stockton, California, for final assembly. 1942-1946 - Delta Queen and Delta King serve in the Navy as yard ferry boats during World War Two. Their main job was to ferry and care for troops in ... Voyages The Delta Queen will offer three-, five- and seven-night voyages operating on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Kanawha and Arkansas Rivers, to name a few. At this time, the Delta Queen Steamboat Company is creating the inaugural routes, ports and excursions for her first season. Please sign up for updates to be the first to know ... Accommodations These outstanding staterooms are distinguished by splendid antique-style furnishings. Each stateroom offers an inside entrance from the Betty Blake Library, either two single beds or a queen bed, large windows topped with stained glass, and a private bathroom with shower. Note: Staterooms 117, 118, 121 and 122 have a partially obstructed river ... Can you Stay On The Delta Queen Riverboat Chattanooga? The Delta Queen Steamboat Company. The current owner of the paddlewheel riverboat is the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, which traces its roots back to 1890. At that time, Gordon C. Greene and his wife Mary Becker Greene purchased a steamboat by the name of H.K. Bedford and operated it under the flag of the Greene Line Steamers. The River: Memories to be made, from Air Force to return to river Captain Don Sanders is a river man. He has been a riverboat captain with the Delta Queen Steamboat Company and with Rising Star Casino. He learned to fly an airplane before he learned to drive a ... The Delta Queen Will Set Sail Once Again in 2020 Creative Commons. The Delta and Mississippi Queen in Cincinnati's port. Come 2020, the Delta Queen — the oldest American overnight passenger steamboat — will sail again. The Queen is in the ... Rollin' on the river: Delta Queen steamboat to again travel the ... Greene Line Steamers of Cincinnati bought the Delta Queen in 1946 and had it towed through the Panama Canal to New Orleans. The steamboat was refurbished and began cruising the Mississippi and its tributaries in 1947. The Delta Queen is the last of the nation's authentic steamboats that are viable enough to return to cruise service, Martin said. Delta Queen Riverboat Hotel, feel the charm of a Mississippi riverboat The Legendary Delta Queen now moored in Chattanooga, the last fully operational, overnight passenger steamboat in the country, is the newest landmark Chattanooga hotel.This grand lady had logged over two million miles, carried over half a million passengers and is the only boat to be inducted into the National Marine Hall of Fame while still in service. Historic Delta Queen riverboat can cruise again; boat undergoing $10M After a decade in dock, the historic 1920s-era Delta Queen riverboat will cruise again. President Donald Trump signed legislation on Tuesday authorizing the 285-foot-long (87-meter-long) riverboat ... Company Delta Queen Steamboat Company. The reformed Delta Queen Steamboat Company traces its roots back to 1890, when Gordon C. Greene and his wife Mary Becker Greene purchased a steamboat by the name of H.K. Bedford and operated it under the flag of the Greene Line Steamers. The family-run business operated steamboats on the Ohio and Mississippi ... 1385 Delta Queen Ct, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 1385 Delta Queen Ct, Steamboat Springs CO, is a Single Family home that contains 2516 sq ft and was built in 1979.It contains 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.This home last sold for $1,500,000 in April 2022. The Zestimate for this Single Family is $2,040,000, which has decreased by $13,290 in the last 30 days.The Rent Zestimate for this Single Family is $6,863/mo, which has increased by $6,863/mo ... catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht