The riverboat captain is a storyteller. 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.
By Capt. Don SandersSpecial to NKyTribune
Two hundred fourteen years ago this year, steamboating began on the Western Rivers. By definition, the “Western Rivers” are not the streams of California, Oregon, or Washington. Instead, the Western Rivers are the Mississippi and its tributaries — the Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and countless other fluvial highways and byways making up the entire drainage system, which ultimately empties into the Gulf below New Orleans.
This past year, on February 20, 2024, at 5 p.m., overnight steamboating on the Western Rivers ceased when the AMERICAN QUEEN shut down its overnight passenger-carrying operations. One hundred thirteen years of river tradition became fodder for the history books. SLAM! Just like that — Whispers echoing in the grave.
Fortunately, at least two steam-powered paddlewheelers still carry excursionists eager to relive the “Mark Twain experience.” The Steamers NATCHEZ of New Orleans and the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE, in the Falls City of the Middle Ohio River, have regularly scheduled rides with frills attached to appease the 21st Century wayfarer. Soon, another authentic steamboat, the NASHVILLE, the former JULIA BELLE SWAIN, will begin steamboating at the “Home of Country Music,” Nashville, Tennessee, on the Cumberland River. The NASHVILLE’s running mate, the diesel-driven sternwheeler CAPITOL, formerly the BELLE OF PEORIA, will also provide nostalgic riverboat passenger service in the Capital City of Nashville…