General Allen (Towboat/Packet, 1922-1943)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sternwheel
• BOAT TYPE: Towboat/Packet
• BUILT: Jeffersonville, Indiana, 1915, as the Minnesota
• FORMERLY: Minnesota
• BECAME: The Minnesota once again, Central Barge Line, 1943
• OWNERS: 1922: U.S. Engineering Department, St. Paul District; 1925: Federal Barge Lines; 1943: Central Barge Line
• OFFICERS & CREW: 1926: Captain William Henning (master)
• RIVERS: Minnesota River; Mississippi River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - T0885, 2224; She was originally the Minnesota, a pleasure boat for the Mayo doctors. Sold to the St. Paul District, U.S. Engineers in 1922 and renamed General Allen. She generally towed on inspection trips. She pioneered the first commercial tow for Federal Barge Lines out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, May, 1926 under the command of Captain William Henning. Originally the Wynoka was to have handled the first tow, but she ran aground at Island 17 and the General Allen then completed the trip. She also pioneered the first modernized tow of Federal Barge Lines, arriving at St. Paul on August 24, 1927 with two loaded barges. In August 1939, General Allen was sent up the Minnesota River with a quarterboat, derrick and three barges and ascended 30 miles up to Shakopee, Minnesota. The tow had to be broken to get around some of the bends. Years earlier, the Purchase had made the same trip, but no boat had since been up until the General Allen's adventure was made. The Central Barge Company bought the George Allen from the USE, Rock Island, Illinois in 1943. They restored the original name of Minnesota
• PHOTO DESCRIPTION: General Allen on water with tow and crew