Godspeed, American Queen

 The American Queen left Vicksburg last night at 7 p.m. Her stacks are down so she can fit under the bridges.

 Wow.

 The Queen raising her smokestacks back up.

 After the Queen passed by, I went back to the Overlook to watch the sun set. I was not disappointed.

The American Queen is back

 The American Queen docked at City Front in Vicksburg this morning. Never thought I would see her here again. She was supposed to arrive at 8:30, but as usual, was here early this morning. I love this boat. She is leaving at 4, if anyone wants to go see her under steam power. Oh yeah, she also brought a bus. I spotted it riding around downtown this morning when I was leaving.

Save the Sprague

As has become a tradition on my blog at the start of a new year,  I once again appeal for the people of Vicksburg to rise up and do what they can to save the Sprague. The remains of the famous sternwheeler lie in tangled vines on Washington Street near downtown. Most people passing by the historical remnants of Vicksburg's past have no clue how important a role the boat, a world record holder in steamboat lore, has in the heritage of our town. But for another year, it has been subjected to the elements and rust has had another year to gnaw at the once proud lady of the river.

I know all of the rusted pieces cannot be saved, but just close your eyes when you finish reading this and picture in your mind the sternwheeer section, pictured in the top photos, if was outfitted with new paddles and placed in a pool of water and allowed to show its majesty for all to see. Place a motor alongside the sternwheel and just think of how people would marvel at the size of the sternwheel as it churned the water. It would be an awesome sight!

Spread the word, my friends. I know not many people come to this blog, but leave a comment if you stumble across this post. Let others know of the plight of the Sprague. Let's save her before Mother Nature takes her or she is cut up and taken for scrap. We cannot let that happen. This piece of Vicksburg heritage can be saved; it can be a showpiece for the city; and it can serve the people of Vicksburg for years to come.