Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

1924

Three "Cape Girardeaus"

Photographed by Edward Troxel, November 16, 2024

1. 1924 Marker

Inscription.
For most of the 19th century and the first third of the 20th century, STEAMBOATS were vital to the economic livelihood of Cape Girardeau. Shown here are the three steamboats that bore the name CAPE GIRARDEAU. The first to carry this name was in service until she sank on July 10, 1910. In early 1911, an older boat was refurbished and became the second Cape Girardeau. It sank in 1916, close to the site of the sinking of the first steamboat. In 1924, the third Cape Girardeau and the GRANDEST of them all- was christened here. She was a STEEL-HULLED VESSEL and pride of the community until she was SOLD IN 1935 in the midst of the Depression. She mysteriously sank that same year while docked at the St. Louis riverfront.

All three Cape Girardeaus were commanded by CAPTAIN WILLIAM "BUCK" LEYHE. Riverboat captains were among the most well-known individuals in their towns. Captain Leyhe was the most famous of all of the town's river.pilots. He and his collie TOODLES were great favorites in Cape Girardeau.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.

Location. 37° 18.253′ N, 89° 31.068′ W. Marker is in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in Cape Girardeau County. It is on North Water Street south of Themis Street

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

, on the left when traveling south. The marker stands along the Missouri Wall of Fame along the Mississippi River Front. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 33 N Water St, Cape Girardeau MO 63701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Missouri. It is also in the American Ozarks,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named 1925 (here, next to this marker); 1918 (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named 1927 (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named 1916 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named 1958 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named 1909 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named 1964 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Girardeau.

Other markers no longer nearby. 1924 (has been replaced with this marker); 1925 (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1918 - 1919 (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1927 (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1916 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now

Photographed by Edward Troxel, November 16, 2024

2. 1924 Marker

near it); 1958 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1909 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1964 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1880 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2024, by Edward Troxel of Creal Springs, Illinois. This page has been viewed 153 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 20, 2024, by Edward Troxel of Creal Springs, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.