Fairbanks in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
"Last Lady of the River"
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024
1. "Last Lady of the River" Marker
Known as the "Last Lady of the River" the Sternwheeler Nenana was constructed in Nenana, Alaska in 1932 and launched in 1933. She is 237 feet long, 42 feet wide. She had 24 staterooms in addition to space for 32 crew as well as 300 tons of cargo. The wood fired steam boiler that powered the paddlewheel on the Nenana used up to one cord of wood per hour. The Nenana could store up to 230 cords onboard. This amount of wood is enough, that if each piece was laid end to end, it would reach from Fairbanks, Alaska to North Pole, Alaska; a total of just over 13 miles! In 1948 the Nenana was refitted with oil burning engines, the most advanced of the time.
The Sternwheeler Nenana operated on the Yukon and Tanana rivers until 1954 and she was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
Erected by Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.
Location. 64° 50.342′ N, 147° 46.322′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Alaska Railroad Corridor, in the Athabascan Region, and in Interior Alaska. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Practical Shipbuilding (here, next to this marker); Jack Williams (here, next to this marker); SS Nenana's Three Captains (a few steps from this marker); Steamer Nenana in World War II (a few steps from this marker); Sherwin Home (a few steps from this marker); Allen Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Eva's Place (a few steps from this marker); "E.H. Mack Cabin" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024
2. "Last Lady of the River" Marker
Also see . . . Friends of S.S. Nenana. (Submitted on September 12, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024
3. Steamer Nenana - "Last Lady of the River"
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024
4. Steamer Nenana - "Last Lady of the River"
Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 176 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 12, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
