SS Natchez: The Legacy of the Mississippi's Most Famous Steamboat
The name Natchez is synonymous with the golden age of river travel on the Mississippi. While several vessels have carried the name—including naval ships and early 19th-century steamers—the current SS Natchez continues to keep this maritime tradition alive in New Orleans. Combining historical charm with industrial power, the vessel serves as a floating museum and a premier cruise experience.
The current vessel, often called the Natchez IX, has been in operation since 1975. Unlike its predecessors, it was built to meet modern United States Coast Guard safety standards, utilizing a steel hull while maintaining the aesthetic of a classic riverboat.
Key Facts
- Current Vessel: Launched in 1975 at Bergeron Shipyards in Braithwaite, Louisiana.
- Dimensions: 265 feet long, 46 feet wide, and weighing 1,384 tons.
- Power: Two tandem-compound steam engines producing 1,600 horsepower each.
- Unique Features: A 32-note steam calliope and a copper bell made from 250 melted silver dollars.
- Racing Record: Winner of the 1982 Great Steamboat Race; has never lost a race.
The Engineering of the Natchez IX
The SS Natchez is a sternwheel steamboat, meaning its propulsion wheel is located at the rear of the vessel. While modeled after the steamboats Hudson and Virginia, much of its machinery is salvaged from other historic ships. Its steam engines and steering system date back to 1925, originally built for the steamboat Clairton.
The massive paddle wheel, constructed from steel and white oak, measures 25 by 25 feet and weighs over 26 tons. Adding to its auditory charm is a whistle recovered from a ship that sank in the Monongahela River in 1908.
A History of Presidential Visits and Racing Glory
The SS Natchez has hosted notable figures and achieved athletic feats on the water. On September 25, 1976, U.S. President Gerald Ford used the vessel for a campaign trip through the Southern United States. During a six-hour cruise from Lutcher, Louisiana, to Jackson Square in New Orleans, Ford campaigned for re-election. To mark the occasion, Captain Doc Hawley presented the President with a traditional black Natchez hat featuring gold embroidery.
Beyond politics, the Natchez is a champion of the river. It won the Great Steamboat Race in 1982 as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville. The vessel has a storied competitive record, defeating other famous boats such as the Belle of Louisville, the Delta Queen, and the Mississippi Queen.
The Legacy of Captain Thomas P. Leathers
The history of the Natchez name is inextricably linked to Captain Thomas P. Leathers, known as "Old Push." Leathers operated the second through eighth versions of the Natchez during the 19th century. He was famous for his reckless pursuit of speed, sometimes adding hog fat or fatty bacon to the engines to increase velocity.
One of the most legendary events in river history was the 1870 race between the seventh Natchez and the Robert E. Lee. While the Lee won the race from New Orleans to St. Louis in just over three days, the Natchez performed impressively despite carrying a full load of cargo and making standard stops. Leathers' boats were also historically significant for their association with Jefferson Davis, who used them to travel to and from his Brierfield plantation.
Vessel Specifications and History Summary
| Vessel | Era/Year | Key Feature/Event | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Natchez | 1823 | Carried Marquis de Lafayette | Destroyed by fire (1835) |
| Seventh Natchez | 1869 | Raced the Robert E. Lee | Dismantled (1879) |
| Eighth Natchez | 1879 | Cost $125,000; 47 staterooms | Burned (1889) |
| SS Natchez (IX) | 1975 | Steel hull; 3,200 total HP | Active |
Resilience and Modern Operations
The SS Natchez has weathered both literal and figurative storms. During the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the boat was moved upriver to Baton Rouge for safety before eventually returning to its dock at the Toulouse Street Wharf in New Orleans. More recently, the vessel overcame a fire on May 3, 2022, returning to service in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the current SS Natchez an original 19th-century boat?
No, the current vessel (Natchez IX) was built in 1975. However, it incorporates authentic vintage parts, including steam engines from 1925 and a historic copper bell.
Who was Captain Thomas P. Leathers?
He was a colorful and competitive captain who owned and operated the second through eighth Natchez steamboats, striving to make them the fastest vessels on the Mississippi.
What is a steam calliope?
A steam calliope is a musical instrument that produces sound by emitting steam through whistles. The SS Natchez features one capable of playing 32 notes.
Has the SS Natchez ever lost a steamboat race?
According to its records, the Natchez IX has never lost a race, including its victory in the 1982 Great Steamboat Race.
Were there any military ships named Natchez?
Yes, there were three US Navy vessels named Natchez, including an 18-gun sloop-of-war from 1827 and a World War II frigate (PG-102). The Brazilian Navy also operated a ship named Natchez in the 1830s.