Henderson in Henderson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Steamboats

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2017

1. Steamboats Marker

Inscription. Steamboats, with their capability to travel against the current, revolutionized river transportation and opened grand economic and social doors for Henderson. They lowered transportation costs, carried enormous loads of cargo, provided comfortable passage and, by the 1840's, brought regular mail service to Henderson. Steamboats reached their high-water mark of luxury in the 1850's. Sporting fancy parlors, elaborate menus, engraved stationary and musical entertainment, steamboats symbolized far more than a ride on the river. Above all, steamboats allowed goods and people to travel with relative ease to points along the Ohio River, creating an economic catalyst and bringing an element of sophistication to Henderson and other major ports on the river.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 37° 50.469′ N, 87° 35.65′ W. Marker is in Henderson, Kentucky, in Henderson County. Marker can be reached from North Water Street north of 1st Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located along the pedestrian walkway in Audubon Mill Park, overlooking the Ohio River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 North Water Street, Henderson KY 42420, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Good Government League (a few steps from this marker); General "Stovepipe" Johnson (a few steps from this marker); Audubon's Mill (a few steps from this marker); The Ohio River (within shouting distance of this marker); John James Audubon in Henderson (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1937 Flood (within shouting distance of this marker); Audubon Saw and Grist Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Father of the Blues (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henderson.

More about this marker. Marker is a large composite plaque, mounted horizontally on waist-high posts.

Also see . . .
1. Henderson County, Kentucky History. In 1811, the first steamboat to land at Henderson was the "Orleans." Robert Fulton and Robert M. Livingstone at Pittsburgh had built it. Its strange hissing sounds caused unusual rumors to be spread along the Ohio. Some folks thought that a meteor had fallen into the river. The first steamboat to be built in Kentucky was built in Henderson by J. Prentiss in 1817. Its name was the "Pike." (Submitted on August 15, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Largest steamboat ever built makes stop in Henderson

Steamboats Marker (<i>tall view; overlooking the Ohio River</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2017

2. Steamboats Marker (tall view; overlooking the Ohio River)

. This is a short television news video about the largest steamboat ever built and its recent stop in Henderson, Kentucky, in July 2018. The American Queen is making a journey up and down the Ohio River. (Submitted on August 15, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. John James Audubon's Steamboat. In 1817 John Audubon built at Henderson, a small steamboat, for what purpose it is not known – more, perhaps, to gratify his erratic inclination that for any other reason. The Captain of the vessel ran her out of the Ohio into the Mississippi River, and was followed by her owner in a rowboat to New Orleans, where the little craft was recaptured and sold. Financial problems became acute in 1819. In the spring, Audubon, acting as agent, sold the steamboat to seven men, including Samuel Bowen. A few months later he filed complaint that the paper money with which he was paid was worthless. Before an attachment could be run, Samuel Bowen took the boat downriver to New Orleans. With two slaves in a skiff, Audubon pursued the boat but arrived one day after it had been handed over to other creditors. (Submitted on August 15, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Steamboats Marker (<i>wide view; Ohio River in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2017

3. Steamboats Marker (wide view; Ohio River in background)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.