Oldest operating paddlewheel steamboatA paddlewheel steamboat, the Idlewild, was launched in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. It was renamed the Belle of Louisville when bought by Jefferson County, Kentucky in 1962, and is now the world's oldest operating paddlewheel steamboat. The riverboat is 192-ft long, 45-ft wide, weight about 350 tons, and is powered by three boilers. In its earliest years, it served as a packet boat on America's inland waterways, carrying cargo and livestock. It was used during WW II as a USO evening venue entertaining troops and pushed war cargo barges during the day. From 1949 it became a passenger excursion tramp steamer. The Belle of Louisville continues to offer trips on the Ohio River for up to about 800 passengers. |
