Explore the History of the Riverboats
The St. Louis Riverfront has seen generations of growth, progress and life along the Mississippi River. From their early days of carrying passengers to the lasting legacy they provide of America’s steamboat era, the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch are an experience that has a storied history over many generations.
Today, the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch encompasses the replica paddlewheel riverboats, the historic St. Louis Riverfront, the Paddlewheel Café, and the Riverboat Gift Shop.
A Timeline of Tradition
1910
Streckfus Steamers began river excursions in St. Louis, Missouri.
1938
Construction of the Admiral began, utilizing the hull of the Albatross, a vessel built in 1907. The ship had the capacity to carry 4,400 passengers. In 1973, the steam engine was removed, and the Admiral was converted to diesel power. Streckfus sold the Admiral to John E. Connelly in 1981. In 1993, she was converted into a casino. Pinnacle Entertainment acquired the Admiral in 2006. Ultimately, the Admiral was sold for scrap in 2011.
1947
The Becky Thatcher (I) began life as the U.S. Snagboat C. B. Reese, built in Carondelet, Missouri in 1879. In 1942, she was sold and transported to Slidell, Louisiana, where her hull was repurposed to construct the towboat I. A. Shaughnessy. Renamed the Wood River, she was decommissioned in 1947 and transformed into the Becky Thatcher. Tragically, she sank in 1965 after listing in low water and subsequently filling with rising river water. However, her hull found a new purpose, serving as the landing barge for the Becky Thatcher (II). She housed a popular local establishment, the Yacht Club, a colorful nightspot known for its lively atmosphere.
1964
The Huck Finn, a 400-passenger replica paddlewheel riverboat built by the Dubuque Boat & Boiler Company, arrived in St. Louis in September 1964 and commenced cruises on October 1st of that year. Initially built as a twin to the 1963 Mark Twain, which operated in New Orleans, a boat swap occurred in 1970. Streckfus Steamers exchanged the St. Louis Huck Finn with the New Orleans Mark Twain. The St. Louis vessel was then renamed Mark Twain, while the New Orleans vessel assumed the name Huck Finn.
1965
Becky Thatcher (II) – originally built as the Mississippi (III), an inspection boat of the United Stated Army Corps of Engineers in 1926. April 19, 1961, retired and sold to Mark Twain Enterprises of St. Louis in 1963. In 1964 she was towed to Hannibal, MO to serve as a restaurant and museum. In 1965, she was purchased by St. Louis Investment Co and towed back to St. Louis. Renamed Becky Thatcher and extensively restored between June 1968 – Feb 1969. In 1975, she was sold to the citizens of Marietta, OH.
1967
The Tom Sawyer was built in 1966 for Streckfus Steamers by the Dubuque Boat & Boiler Company in Dubuque, Iowa. Initially operating in Tampa, the vessel later transferred to St. Louis.
1987
Becky Thatcher (III), built in 1963 as the Showboat by the Dubuque Boat & Boiler Company for Riverboat River Tours, Inc., arrived in St. Louis on March 1, 1987. Her maiden voyage commenced on Saturday, March 7, 1987. Sold to Gateway Clippers in 1985, the vessel was leased to President Riverboat Casino’s-Missouri, Inc. in 1987 and subsequently renamed Becky Thatcher.
1995
Huck Finn was sold to the City of Louisville and Jefferson County, Kentucky, and renamed the Spirit of Jefferson.
2001
Bi-State Development (BSD) purchased the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch.
2024
BSD retired the Becky Thatcher (III) from operations on January 1, 2024. The vessel was sold to Memphis Riverboats in July 2024 and subsequently renamed the Belle of Memphis.
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