Arkansas (Towboat, Snagboat 1900-1940)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sternwheel
• BOAT TYPE: Snagboat; Towboat
• BUILT: 1900 at Jeffersonville, Indiana
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Dismantled 1940
• OWNERS: U. S. Engineering Department, Little Rock
• OFFICERS & CREW: Captain Henry A. Mayer (Master); Rees V. Downs (Pilot); Captain J. A. Pate (Master, circa 1930); Captain Ray E. Allen (Master, circa 1940)
• RIVERS: Arkansas River; Ohio River; Mississippi River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - T0161; This sternwheel snagboat/towboat was a fixture on the Arkansas River; operated by U.S. Engineering, Little Rock, Arkansas. Captain Henry A. Mayer was master in her early days, and Rees V. Downs, pilot. The boat had no electric light plant and was hand steered. Captain J. A. Pate was master in the early 1930's. Captain Ray E. Allen was her last master and was transferred over to the new Arkansas II in 1940 with most of his other officers. The Arkansas was dismantled 1940
• PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Flood scene; front left of photo: sternwheel towboat Vulcan; rear left: sidewheel dredge Kappa; right front: sternwheel snagboat Arkansas