Helena (Packet, 1878-1891)

Date

• June 1885

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sternwheel
• BOAT TYPE: Packet
• BUILT: 1878 at California, Pennsylvania
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Snagged and sunk at Bonhomme Island on October 23, 1891
• OWNERS: T.C. Power and Brothers, J.W. Knight, John C. Barr, and Captain James McGarry; A.S. Bryan and others (1887)
• OFFICERS & CREW: Captain James McGarry (master, 1878); Ed Anderson (pilot, 1891); Captain Geary W. Murray (1891); Captain Arch. Bryant (master, 1891)
• RIVERS: Missouri River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - 2576; On her first trip she left Pittsburgh with 235 tons of freight and 56 passengers bound for Fort Benton; she arrived there on May 14, 1878. In the next 10 years she made over 50 trips to Montana with many masters associated with the Power Line. On May 6, 1884, she was the first spring arrival at the fort, arriving a week ahead of any others. In 1887 she snagged at Lower Bonhomme Island, Missouri; raised
• PHOTO DESCRIPTION: On the Missouri River near Fort Buford