mark twain riverboat secret

Life in Mouse Years

Melisa tours disney, 10 secrets of mark twain riverboat.

Melisa Rice Attractions , Special feature 0

Mark Twain Riverboat in Disneyland is a classic attraction that has been in operation since opening day in 1955. It is an attraction that I have enjoyed riding each time I visit. (Aside from our last trip. It was closed.) The middle deck or even the top deck can give you a bird’s eye view as you go around Tom Sawyer Island. Today I would like to talk about some of its histories and give some secrets about the Riverboat that you may not have known before.

When Walt Disney was designing the first Disney Park that was going to be across the street from his Burbank Studios, he wanted to have a Riverboat attraction. So when the plans were changed and they started working on Disneyland in Anaheim, the plans for the Riverboat attraction were kept. Walt Disney had a love for the writings of Mark Twain and was inspired to have a Paddlewheeler in Disneyland for others to enjoy.  

First Secret

Walt Disney wanted the Mark Twain Riverboat so badly, that after the corporate funding ran out, he funded the riverboat out of his pocket.

Second Secret

When the designers were looking into how to build a replica of a Paddlewheeler, they had to do extensive research because there had not been a Paddlewheeler in operation in 50 years!

Details on Mark Twain Riverboat

Mark Twain Riverboat is 108 feet long and 28 feet tall. It has beautiful woodworking throughout the boat. The weight of this Riverboat is 150 tons! There are four decks on Mark Twain.

• Texas (Sun) Deck
• Promenade Deck

There is limited seating on the Mark Twain Riverboat. However, if you can, you will want to explore the riverboat during your cruise! They have so much for you to see on this boat.

On the Main Deck, you can see the boilers and pistons that run the boat. The Texas (Sun) Deck is out on the front of the boat. This uncovered spot has some chairs you can sit on as you ride. Next is the Promenade Deck. To get to this deck you need to climb upstairs. (It is a bit narrow). Disney has a collection of photos and maps on this deck. The final deck is the Pilothouse. This one is on the very top of the Riverboat. It has the Captain’s Quarters and the Wheelhouse.

Third Secret

The Captain doesn’t steer the boat around the river. It goes along an I-beam that is in the water. However, the Captain does watch for the other water traffic. For example the Davy Crockett Canoes, and the Tom Sawyer Island Rafts.

View from Mark Twain Riverboat

During your Mark Twain Riverboat cruise, you can hear a narration of new travel discoveries from the past. In addition to the narration, the view of Disneyland and Tom Sawyer Island is amazing! Some of the sights to see along the journey are The Golden Horseshoe, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, waterfalls, cabins, an Indian Village, and the Disneyland Railroad. Also, keep an eye out for animals along the way. You never know what wildlife will be out and about.

• Find out more about The Golden Horshoe here or Pirates of the Caribbean here .

Fourth Secret

The Construction Supervisor, Joe Fowler, insisted on having a dry dock there at the River of America in Disneyland. Walt Disney wasn’t happy with how much space it took up. He started calling it Joe’s Ditch. Later it was named Fowler’s Harbour. In my opinion, having their own dry dock has probably saved money trying to get the boat to another location for repairs.

Mark Twain Riverboat has had its share of mishaps. (There were a lot on the opening day of Disneyland). But this attraction has prevailed for almost 63 years now.

Fifth Secret

When Disneyland first tried to fill the River’s of America, the water all soaked into the soil. The soil stabilizer didn’t work. Joe Fowler found a supply of clay to line the riverbed. As a result, they were able to keep the water in the river.

Sixth Secret

Four days before Disneyland opened, Walt and Lillian Disney celebrated their 30th anniversary by having a party on the Mark Twain Riverboat. 300 people were there. Mark Twain had it’s maiden voyage that night. Everyone went to one side of the boat to look over. The boat tipped and water came up over the deck. They didn’t know what the maximum capacity was.

Seventh Secret

On opening day, the ride operators let 500 people on board. As a result, the boat almost sank! It got stuck in the mud. From that day on, the capacity has been 300 people.

Eighth Secret

Walt Disney had a bottle of water filled with water from major American rivers, that was going to be used to christen the boat. The actress from Showboat, Irene Dunne, had trouble getting the bottle to break. (I have seen the footage from the opening day. She had a really hard time breaking that bottle.)

Ninth Secret

When the Mark Twain Riverboat was first in operation, you were able to buy non-alcoholic Mint Julep’s. That must have been really cool! I wish they would do that again.

Tenth Secret

Walt Disney named the riverboat Mark Twain after the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Walt was inspired by these writings. When Samuel Langhorne Clemens was young, he was a pilot of a riverboat. He took on the name Mark Twain which is a riverboat term that means “vessel is at a safe depth.”

Ride time for the Mark Twain used to be 25 minutes. However, after the recent construction to make room for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, it is now 14 minutes long. I am bummed about the change. Mostly because the design of the island and river was Walt Disney’s. All things considered, I feel that it was well done. However, I wish the new trees were a bit larger and fuller to match the rest of the riverway. One day they will be.

In Conclusion

Mark Twain Riverboat has a lot of history, mishaps, and secrets. However, it is an attraction that has survived regardless. Therefore, I hope that you will check out all that Mark Twain has to offer on your next visit to Disneyland.

Questions or Comments?

If you have any questions or comments on today’s post, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to help!

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14 Hidden Things to Look for at Disneyland

Wikimedia Commons

Disneyland is one of the happiest places on Earth—and with some charm and a little know-how, you can get a lot more out of your visit.

1. Captain the 'Mark Twain' Riverboat

Before boarding the Mark Twain riverboat, find one of the Disney cast members and ask them if you can visit the wheelhouse. They’ll lead you to the second floor , where you’ll see a door marked “Private.” Knock on the door and the captain will lead you to a secret ladder to the wheelhouse, where you can steer and pilot the riverboat. You’ll also get a chance to ring the Mark Twain ’s bell and sound its whistle like a real riverboat captain! Once you finish, just ask for a certificate and sign the guestbook, which features all the people who also steered the riverboat in the past.

2. Edible Plants

All of the plants in Tomorrowland are edible ! Walt Disney envisioned a future that was self-sustaining and efficient. He believed that landscapes in the future would double as urban farms, so fruits and vegetables were planted throughout Tomorrowland.

3. Morse Code

At the Disneyland Railroad Station in New Orleans Square, you'll hear Morse Code from the station's telegraph. The series of dots and dashes make up the first few sentences of Walt Disney's opening-day dedication speech at Disneyland on July 17, 1955: "To all who come to Disneyland, welcome. Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here, youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future."

4. Indiana Jones

Hidden Mickeys

While waiting in line for the Indiana Jones Adventure, you’ll see a well with a sign attached that reads, “Caution. Do Not Pull Rope! Handling Fragile Artifacts.” Do the opposite. You’ll hear an excavator tell you not to pull the rope. If you pull it a number of times, you’ll hear different responses and eventually a loud crash.

You’ll also see a bamboo pole with a similar sign that reads, “Danger! Do Not Touch Pole.” If you touch or pull the pole, you’ll hear a loud crash, as if the ceiling were caving in around you.

5. The Tea Cups

The Mad Tea Party ride in Fantasyland includes about 18 teacups with varying speeds . The orange teacup with diamonds and the purple one are the fastest spinners. The two teacups with hearts are the slowest.

6. The Haunted Mansion's Death Certificates and Pet Cemetery

Once you enter the Haunted Mansion, ask one of the Disney Cast Members for a Death Certificate before you enter the Doom Buggie ride. After you’re finished, the Cast Member will have the Death Certificates waiting for you as a souvenir. However, they don’t give them out to everyone who asks. It’s up to the Cast Member’s discretion. If you ask a Cast Member about the Haunted Mansion's pet cemetery, they’ll give you a personal tour.

7. Free Maps at the Jungle Cruise

Growing up Goofy

Similar to the Haunted Mansion’s Death Certificates, you can ask one of the Jungle Cruise’s Cast Members for a free map as a special souvenir. The maps feature the Jungle Cruise’s entire route.

See Also...

17 horrifying vintage pictures of disneyland characters, 8. manhole covers.

davef3138, Flickr

At the middle of Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland, there's a fountain with a number of musical instruments and Mickey Mouse in the center, holding an orchestra conductor’s baton. There are the same musical instruments imprinted on the manhole covers next to the fountain. If you jump on or touch the covers, you’ll hear the corresponding instrument play .

9. Hidden Mickeys

Finding Mickey

Throughout the entire park, Disney Imagineers have scattered thousands of “Hidden Mickeys” attached to numerous attractions, restaurants, and hotels. These Hidden Mickeys are the iconic mouse’s silhouette : One large circle for his head and two smaller circles to make up his ears.

10. Tender Seat

Ask the conductor at Main Street Station if you could sit in the Disneyland Railroad's tender seat. If they agree, the next train that pulls into the station will have the seat ready for you. It's a small seat , but it's worth getting past security to the front of the line.

11. Disney Buttons

Not only do the Street Sweepers at Disneyland make sure the park is pristine and clean every day, they also spread joy to its guests. Some of the Street Sweepers carry around Disney buttons to give out to children and park guests. Street Sweepers can also be seen making Mickey and Minnie Mouse designs on the ground with their brooms.

Free Buttons for most occasions, including birthdays, family reunions, weddings, and anniversaries, are available at City Hall on Main Street.

12. Waking José

The show at the Enchanted Tiki Room starts with a Cast Member waking up José, the Audio-Animatronics talking Macaw parrot. If you ask the Cast Member nicely, they'll allow you to wake up José to start the show.

17 Disney Park Windows Worth a Closer Look

13. lilly belle train car.

The Lilly Belle is the presidential car at the tail end of the Disneyland Train. It was named after Walt Disney's wife Lillian and is reserved for V.I.P.s and special guests. You can ride in the car too! If you arrive at the park before it opens, go to the Disneyland Railroad Station and wait for the official opening announcement. Ask one of the Cast Members about making a reservation for the Lilly Belle train car. With some luck, you'll get a chance to ride in style into the Main Street Station. Keep in mind that the Lilly Belle doesn't run all day and only makes a few trips.

14. Club 33

Club 33 is a private club in New Orleans Square. It's a members-only club and is not open to the public. Members enjoy early access to the theme park, along with free valet parking at the Grand Californian Hotel and full access to the Lilly Belle car on the Disneyland Railroad. Club 33 is also the only place in Disneyland that sells alcohol. Club members pay $10,000 a year plus a $25,000 non-refundable initiation fee. There's also a 14-year waiting list to join.

Disney Park Secrets: The Mark Twain Riverboat

After exploring the Hidden Magic of Disney World I decided to start a new recurring column: uncovering secrets of the Disney Parks. Today focuses on a special ride at Disneyland: the Mark Twain Riverboat.

The ship sidles its way for twelve minutes around the Rivers of America attraction, taking guests for a short scenic cruise. Horns and bells are used to signify the arrival and departure of the Riverboat, and also to communicate specific messages to other crafts also sluicing through the waters, the Rafts to Pirate’s Lair and Davy Crockett’s Explorer canoes.

What’s so special about the Mark Twain Riverboat? Well, its bonus is perhaps a poorly kept secret, as I found mentions of it across the web on sites like The Disney Blog and the Hidden Mickeys of Disney. But as the tidbit I’m about to disclose is not on the Disneyland website for the Riverboat or always mentioned when guests are on the ship itself, I think it still counts as a secret.

If you’re lucky, you just might be allowed to pilot the Mark Twain Riverboat for a few moments. There’s no age limit specified for the option; I know adults have done it, but I’m not positive whether children will be allowed to as well. To do so follow these instructions, which were posted on The Disney Blog by a lucky Mickey Mouse fan who has had the experience herself.

While waiting dockside to climb aboard the ship, tell one of the Cast Members of your interest in piloting the Mark Twain. Large parties might not all be allowed in the wheelhouse, and if other guests have already asked for the privilege you might have to wait for another sailing.

If you’re allowed, however, board the ship as normal. A Cast Member will come fetch you when the time comes. Once in the wheelhouse but before you take control, you’ll learn that it was a favorite spot of Walt Disney’s. Once you take the wheel it will be your job to make sure the ship doesn’t steer aground and be in charge of signaling the Mark Twain’s presence to the other boats on the river.

Be sure to ask the Cast Members in the wheelhouse with you about other secrets of the river, such as pointing out yet another Mickey hidden in the rapids. Don’t just sign the guestbook of others who have steered the ship before you, take a peek in it as you might see some famous names. As you leave you’ll be presented with a riverboat’s license bearing your name.

All right, so maybe you’re not really piloting the ship or earning a real riverboat license, but the experience is still fun, right? It’s also a neat way for Disney buffs to connect with Disneyland history. Disney secrets website Hidden Mickeys of Disney asserts that Walt Disney himself commissioned the riverboat, and when its corporate budget ran out he covered the rest of the costs himself so it would open on time. The official Mark Twain Riverboat site mentions that Mark Twain was a personal hero of Walt Disney’s, so it makes sense he’d be that invested in the project.

If you’re an aspiring nautical captain or even just want to do something unique, next time you find yourself in Anaheim take a shot at piloting the Mark Twain Riverboat.

Related Articles:

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Goofy’s Sky School

More Magical Secrets: Frontierland and Adventureland

Cars Land: Grand for “Cars” Fans

Mini Mickey: The Ultimate Disney World Travel Guide

*( This image by HarshLight is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.)

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The Riveting Voyage: Disneyland’s Mark Twain Riverboat Story

In the magical kingdom of Disneyland, there’s an exciting adventure for you to embark on. It’s called the Mark Twain Riverboat Story and it’s a riveting voyage that takes you on a thrilling journey down Disneyland’s enchanted rivers. Imagine, you’re aboard a wonderful big riverboat, the Mark Twain, sailing peacefully through the waters with colorful characters by your side. This journey lets you see Disneyland from a whole new perspective, from the captivating landscapes to the enchanting wildlife, and there’s a remarkable story behind this delightful ride that will hold your curiosity. Prepare to embark on an exciting trip as you discover the rich history and adventurous tales of Disneyland’s Mark Twain Riverboat.

Table of Contents

The Inception of the Mark Twain Riverboat

Listen up, kids! Once upon a time, our dear old Uncle Walt Disney found great inspiration in creating magic. One such magical idea was the enchanting Mark Twain Riverboat. ### Walt Disney’s inspiration behind the riverboat came from the charming appeal of the classic tales of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, written by the brilliant human named Mark Twain. So he decided, wouldn’t it be fun to climb aboard a Victorian-era paddleboat and glide gently down the Mississippi River, just like in the stories?

Now when it came to the architectural planning and layout, Walt Disney made sure to not leave any detail out. He wanted to create a Riverboat that would transport visitors straight into the delightful world of Mark Twain’s timeless tale. Each corner of the boat would take you on a fun journey, one that leaves you feeling like you’re a part of this enchanting story.

The timeline of initial development and design started in the early 1950s. after a few years of magical hard work by skilled craftsmen and clever imaginers, the mark twain riverboat was set for its fantastic voyage, the grand unveiling in 1955.

When the sun rose on the day of July 17, 1955, a sense of ### opening day anticipation and excitement filled the air in a place called Anaheim, in California. The Mark Twain Riverboat twinkled in the morning sun, waiting to welcome its first passengers.

There were several noteworthy attendees and celebrations. Walt Disney himself, beaming with joy, welcomed each and every guest aboard with open arms.

With a joyous burst of steam, the first public cruise had begun. and oh, the reactions of the people were priceless smiles bloomed like flowers in spring, eyes twinkled like stars in the night sky..

This image is property of www.tripsavvy.com.

Architectural Design and Aesthetic

Now, let’s take a minute to look closer at how the Riverboat looks. Have you ever seen a fairy-tale house that sparkles in the golden sun? Well, that’s how exquisite the Mark Twain Riverboat is! ### The Victorian Riverboat influence can be seen in its cute verandas and pretty details.

The craftsmanship and detail of exterior and interior echo the charm of old-timey boats. It has beautifully crafted wooden panels and a twinkling interior.

Significance of the four-deck structure is much like your favorite layer cake. each one has something different to see, steam engine marvel.

The heart of the boat is its steam engine, gatherings steam and chuffing away! ### Characteristics of the Mark Twain steam engine are quite interesting. It uses the mighty power of heated water to move the boat!

The operation and mechanics are a little bit tricky to explain, but it’s as delightful as a toy train set. The engine creates steam, and the steam pushes a tall wheel at the back that spins and pushes the boat along.

The authentic steam whistle signal is the fun icing on the cake it gives a beautiful ‘toot-toot’ sound that you can’t help but cheer for.

This image is property of duchessofdisneyland.com.

The Captivating Journey Down The Rivers of America

When you’re aboard the Riverboat, you start on a magical journey down ### The Rivers of America. You float along the water, seeing little bits of your favorite stories come to life.

Visual attractions and points of interest are many, from stunning pine trees to fascinating frontier settlements.

Let’s not forget guest interactions and activities during the voyage that keep you excited and engaged in your journey., symbol of classic americana.

Something that makes the Riverboat special is how it takes you back in time to classic America. ### How Mark Twain Riverboat evokes the old-world charm is through its smile-inspiring design and tender appeal.

The boat has a deep connection to the American Frontier theme, taking you back to the time of adventurers.

It reflects mid 19th century mississippi river culture brilliantly, painting a pretty picture of a time filled with childhood wonder..

This image is property of 1.bp.blogspot.com.

Legacy in Pop Culture

Just like a famous movie star, the Riverboat has made memorable appearances in films and shows. ### Appearances in movies and TV shows have made the Riverboat much of a celebrity!

It also has cultural significance in literature and merchandising. It’s like the cool kid that everyone wants to know!

Did you hear about the infamous ‘unofficial’ club 33 it’s a secret club that adds a dash of mystery to the riverboat’s journey., challenges and evolution over time.

All heroes face hurdles, and so has the Riverboat. ### Issues faced since the inaugural cruise have only made it stronger.

Through constant major refits and renovations, the Riverboat has kept its magic alive.

The evolution of the ride experience has been fun to witness, always embracing change while holding onto the magic..

Personal Tales and Guests Experiences

Just like the stories from your friends, ### memorable stories from boat crew members add to the joy of the Riverboat.

Unique and quirky guest anecdotes will make you smile and feel a part of the magical world of Disneyland.

The general public perception of the riverboat is love at first sight, the realists take.

As we wrap our magical tale, we can confidently say how important Mark Twain’s Riverboat is to Disneyland’s magical history. ### The assessment of the Mark Twain Riverboat’s place in Disney history is that of a cherished memory.

The challenges facing the attraction’s future are just bumps in the river, ones that’ll only add to its charm.

There’s no doubt that the riverboat’s enduring appeal and legacy will forever chug along in the hearts of disney visitors. so here’s to the mark twain riverboat, our beloved floating dream.

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The Coolest, Best Kept Secrets of the Disney Parks

Think you know all of the Disneyland secrets? The popular theme park harbors some deep, dark, and sometimes amusing secrets that you probably don't know. Millions are blissfully unaware as they roam the amusement park in search of... well... amusement. But what they don't know is that they could be enjoying a cocktail at a secret members-only bar next to the Pirate of Caribbean ride, playing basketball inside the top of the Matterhorn, or shopping at a secret Disneyland lingerie store on Main Street.

What are the Disneyland secrets? From the so-called "Hidden Mickeys" located all over the park, to driving an actual riverboat, you're about to learn the secrets of Disneyland (and a few about Disney World) here on this list of secret spots. Imagine your kids' or friends' surprise when you know all of these fun tricks to do next time you go to Disneyland! As you read through the hidden Disneyland secrets, make sure to vote for the secret you'll investigate during your next Disney adventure!

There are plenty of fun things to do at Disneyland (and many delicious things to eat ), but the best things to do, other than spending time with your family, are the secret ones. Especially if it's that special day and you can take advantage of all the Disneyland birthday secrets. If you don't know the facts, you might miss out on a really unique experience, because Disneyland's Easter Eggs abound.

Morse Code Of Walt's Opening Day Message

• DisneyToday/Twitter

If you listen closely by the train station in New Orlean's Square in Disneyland, you will hear the faintest beeping of an old-timey telegraph sending out a coded message. This beeping is actually the first line of Walt Disney's opening day speech from July 17, 1955 as it would be written in morse code. If the dots and dashes were to be translated, it would say: 

To all who come to Disneyland, welcome. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.

The Evil Queen Observes Fantasyland Guests

• LaughingPlace.com/Twitter

While you are in Disneyland, stand outside Mr. Toad's Wild Ride near the carousel and look up. High above the crowds, atop the Scary Adventures of Snow White attraction, stands the wicked Queen Grimhilde , who occasionally pulls back the curtains of the window to check on Fantasyland guests. Every few mintues she returns to her perch, looking down at the crowds, sneering at the happy people. 

This little Easter Egg is a fun little find and can add amusement to your line wait if you are in the right place. 

The Little Man Of Disneyland

• DisneylandToday/Twitter

Hidden in the tree trunk just outside of the Indiana Jones Adventure in Adventureland there is a teeny-tiny little house meant for a teeny-tiny little man. The home belong to the leprechaun Patrick Begorra , who was the subject of a Disney Little Golden Books published in 1955. According to the story, the leprechaun  lived in the roots of a tree before Disneyland was created,  and became the first "resident" of the theme park. 

In honor of the little man in the little story, Imagineers created a special place just for him in Disneyland.

The Edible Plants Of Tomorrow

The good people at Disneyland take their time to cultivate the plant life that grows throughout the park, but Tomorrowland is a bit different as many of the plants in this section of the resort are edible .

According to Disneyland, “the visionary landscaping doubles as a potential farm, projecting an ecologically astute future, where humanity makes the most of its resources.” Thus, the plants for tomorrow should serve a dual purpose of being both beautiful and functional for future populations . 

Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and cilantro grow along the space-age attractions, as well as orange trees, wild artichokes, lettuce, spinach, and more. Next time your burger needs a little sprucing up, now you know where to go. 

The Window Above The Fire Station On Disnleyland's Main Street Looks Out From Walt Disney's Private Apartment

• GNU Free Documentation License

Urban Myth, Busted

Several babies are known to have been born at the happiest place on earth - not a bad start in life. It was rumored that each one was given a lifetime pass to the theme park, but that's been recently debunked by a former employee . However, Teresa Salcedo was issued "Disneyland Birth Certificate No. 1" on July 4, 1979 and will forever hold the honor of being the first infant to take her first breath in the Magic Kingdom. 

The Roastie-Toasties

Disney is not just about fun rides and great attractions, but about the small details placed in the parks. A good example of this are the Roastie-Toasties popcorn turners . Each popcorn stand has a distinct figure mean to represent a specific area of the park or event. For example, get a popcorn near Tomorrowland and you might see the Rocketeer turning the kernels, or go to the Haunted Mansion and you might see an undertaker as a popcorn person. 

The Roastie-Toasties are a fun little detail to check out as you move from land to land, park to park. Also, they are updated regularly, so you will want to keep an eye out for new ones.

They Keep You Safe With An Envelope Of Protection

All Disneyland and Disney World attractions created since 1965 have been designed so that the human body cannot reach out and touch anything . To make sure of this, they use a special vehicle as a test (see video). This is called the "Envelope of Protection" and ensures that even if you simply MUST throw your hands up with excitement on Thunder Mountain Railroad, you won't find your hand, moving up to 45 miles per hour, coming into contact with any part of the ride.

This played a role in the banning of Selfie Sticks in the parks, as they would extend beyond this safe and cozy envelope.

Disney World Is Built Atop An Intricate System Of Underground Tunnels For Staff And Characters

There's A Secret Suite In Cinderella's Castle

Cinderella's castle at Walt Disney World houses a secret suite. At Disneyland, the so-called Dream Suite is located above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in New Orleans Square. It was originally intended to be an apartment for Walt Disney and his family, but he passed away before it was finished being built.

It rocks 24-karat gold floor tiles, stained glass windows, and a magic mirror that doubles as a television. Disney now occasionally allows families who win a competition to stay in the suite for the night. 

Disney Parks Are Designed to Enchant Your Sense of Smell

Disney World Is Second Only To The US Military As The Nation's Largest Consumer Of Explosives

• Wikimedia Commons

The Bench Where Walt Disney First Envisioned Disneyland Is Now in Disneyland

Disneyland Has a Cat Infestation

Disneyland's Main Street Shops Are Named After Real People

Walt Disney Once Ordered Trash Cans Be Placed Exactly 25 Steps From The Hot Dog Booth At Disneyland

The Skull On The Pirates Of The Caribbean Ride Is Real

When the ride first opened at Disneyland in 1967, its designers found that the fake skeletons available were too flimsy. Despite the creepiness factor, they discovered that actual human skeletons worked much more to their liking and originally used several that the UCLA Medical School had lying around.

Though have since been replaced by fakes, the skull and cross bones seen above are among the few genuine human remains left inside the ride.

Cinderella Fountain Looks Different To Kids And Adults

While most adults interpret Cinderella's downward gaze as sadness, kids see that she's smiling from their lower vantage point.

There's A Special Car Named The 'Lilly Belle' At The End Of Disneyland's C. K. Holiday Train

The FAA Put A Flight Restriction On Disney World Airspace After 9/11

Disney Employee Name Tags Display First Names Only Due to Walt's Disdain of Being Called 'Mr. Disney'

The Tree Of Life Was Built Around An Oil Rig

Animal Kingdom Was Originally Going To Be For Mythical Beasts

Tommorowland Depicts 1986

Safety Comes First

The park holds four things, which they call " Four Keys ," in the highest regard:  safety, courtesy, show, and efficiency - in that order.

Birthday Fun

Some of you may already know this, but for those who don't: If you visit Disneyland on your birthday, be sure to tell the person at the gate that it's your big day. You'll be whisked away to City Hall where you'll be presented with a special sticker by cast members, letting everyone know it's your birthday.

You may also be able to score special items from other cast members throughout the park, so it's certainly worth a shot!

There's A VIP Club In Disneyland's New Orleans Square That Costs $25,000 Just To Join

People Often Try To Scatter Loved One's Ashes In The Haunted Mansion

Driving The Mark Twain

Yes, that's right! If you play your cards right, you may be able to actually drive the Mark Twain riverboat. Here's what to do: Right before you board, find a cast member and (very nicely) ask them if you can visit the wheel house. If luck is on your side, they'll direct you to the second floor to a door marked "Private." Knock. The captain of the Mark Twain will answer and guide you up a special ladder to the actual wheel house. That, my friend, is where you will be able to actually take the wheel and steer the boat! You may also learn how to ring the Mark Twain's bell and sound its whistle. Way, way cool!

Hidden Mickeys

Throughout Disneyland, keep your eyes peeled for "hidden" Mickey Mouse ears. They are literally everywhere...for those who take the time to look. Some believe these hidden Mickeys are on each ride, though many have trouble locating ALL of them.

Also, if you're visiting Universal Studios, be on the lookout for a pair of Mickey Mouse ears on the Jurassic Park ride. Strange, right? They are there - hidden inside a dinosaur-ravaged boat.

Safety In Numbers

Indiana Jones Adventure: Hidden Eeyore

The next time you visit the Indiana Jones Adventure, Temple of the Forbidden Eye, pay close attention: You may spot a very familiar Disney character who clearly doesn't fit in. Eeyore! Yes, everyone's favorite pessimist can apparently be seen in the movie room. Some suggest carrying a flashlight and aiming it up after you make your first right and then left. When you hit the end of that first left turn, look up. Shine the flashlight through the boards and you may be able to see him!

Shooting Hoops Inside The Matterhorn

Tony The Tiger: At Disneyland?

Tony the Tiger: At Disneyland?

Yes...sort of. When you hear that wonderful voice of the conductor on any Disneyland Railroad train, listen carefully. The booming voice is that of the late Thurl Ravenscroft, who is the original voice of Tony the Tiger (of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes fame). Not only that, Mr. Ravenscroft also sings the iconic song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" in the 1966 cartoon 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' Sadly, he wasn't officially credited - major screw up.

Interacting With Toy Story Characters

Haunted Mansion Bullet Hole

Wait, what? An actual real bullet hole inside the Haunted Mansion? Yep, and it's the stuff of Disney urban legend.

When you go into the Mansion's grand ballroom, take a close look at the ginormous spider web (complete with a spider, of course) that's hanging down from the fourth column on the right. While it makes for a nice, spooky decoration, it's actually there to hide a bullet hole in the glass! What happened? Stories vary.

The Music Never Stops

Disneyland rides feature elaborate music and sounds - from the ghoulish voices of the Haunted Mansion to the It's a Small World dolls. Did you know that the music literally never stops at the park? Even when rides are shut off, the sounds are rumored to keep on going.

Apparently, some believe it's too pricey for Disney to keep turning off the music and then restarting it each day. Bet that makes for some super creepiness as workers clean up at 2 a.m.!

Jungle Cruise: The Natives Love Disco?

Keep It Clean On Splash Mountain

Got the urge to do something totally outrageous to get a funny Splash Mountain photo? Be careful: If you're doing something inappropriate, you won't be able to purchase your photo. What does this mean? No bird-flipping, no mooning, no flashing (yes, this also means guys - no taking off shirts).

Keep it clean, and you can purchase your photo at the end, no problem. Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah!

Smoking Mr. Toad

Yes, you read that correctly: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride has some serious secrets. Did you know, for example, that a statue of said Toad, located just to your immediate left inside the window as you enter, used to have one arm extended up? Why, you ask? Well, Mr. Toad's amphibian fingers were positioned in such a way that people could place cigarettes between them - thus, the smoking Toad.

Sadly, both of Mr. Toad's statue arms are now behind his back. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted!

Sticking Pennies On The Wall At Space Mountain

Apparently, visitors to Disneyland's Space Mountain attraction have figured out that at certain spots on the blue wall (the section for wheelchair access), if you press a penny to the wall it may stick. Is this some supernatural force at work? That would be a "no". Some believe it's a special paint that was used.

Several areas are now repainted, so sadly, no penny sticking there - but look for the light blue-colored wall and see what happens!

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A small, small world filled with magic.

Mark Twain Riverboat

by Heather Adams | Aug 9, 2024 | Disneyland , Disneyland Attractions , Disneyland Park , Frontierland

Take a trip down the Rivers of America aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat, one of Disneyland’s iconic vehicles. This old-fashioned steam-powered paddle boat travels a half mile down the American frontier, passing sights like the Columbia Gorge, rustic frontier cabins, a Native American village, and even the Disneyland Railroad. 

Mark Twain Riverboat Fast Facts

• Location: Frontierland
• Height Requirement: None
• Attraction Length: About 14 minutes
• Lightning Lane Multi Pass: No
• Ride Type: Paddle boat
• Early Theme Park Entry Eligible: No
• Extended Evening Hours Eligible: N/A
• Ride Switch Available: No

The queue for the Mark Twain is outdoors, running right in front of the boat’s loading dock. There is a bit of overhead shade, but little else in the way of theming or structure.

Accessibility 

Guests may remain in wheelchairs and ECVs, and there is a wheelchair access vehicle available. Audio description is also offered for this attraction.

On-Ride Photo

There is no on-ride photo for this attraction.

Is Mark Twain Riverboat Kid-Friendly?

The Mark Twain is definitely kid-friendly, with no height or age restrictions and plenty of space to check out the river scenery from multiple decks and vantage points.

While older kids like tweens and teens may not find the Mark Twain Riverboat thrilling enough for their tastes, this is a great slow-moving ride for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age kids who love anything in motion.

Best For: Anyone who loves a scenic boat ride or younger kids who are best suited to slower-paced attractions.

Will Mark Twain Riverboat Cause Motion Sickness?

The Mark Twain moves at a slow pace and doesn’t stray from its straight-ish path, so it shouldn’t cause any motion sickness for guests. There is no rocking or potential for seasickness-like concerns, either.

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Ahoy! Earn Your Pilot’s License on Disneyland’s Mark Twain Riverboat

• by Megan Prine
• November 6, 2011 November 6, 2011

As you cross the threshold between Adventureland and New Orleans Square at Disneyland, you’ve undoubtedly seen the iconic Mark Twain Riverboat chugging along the Rivers of America, puffing white steam into the blue sky as she takes guests on a delightful twelve-minute journey through yesteryear. What you may not know, is that Park Guests have the opportunity to pilot the ship, just like Steamboat Willie does in Fantasmic!

For a chance at becoming the captain of the ship, simply ask one of the dockside Cast Members in the queue. (Planning note: if you have a large party, not all Guests may be able to visit the wheelhouse in one trip.) If another Guest has already asked, you may have to wait for the next sailing of the Mark Twain, but it’s worth the short wait to gain passage into the exclusive wheelhouse, which was frequently visited by Walt Disney himself (you’ll see photo proof in the Captain’s quarters).

When your turn comes, you’ll be escorted by a Cast Member up several flights of narrow, steep stairs into the wheelhouse, where you’ll have breathtaking views of the surrounding lands. But you’re not just there to spectate, you’ll actually have a job to do, whether it’s manning the ginormous wheel to ensure the ship doesn’t run aground or taking charge of the whistle and bell system to signal your whereabouts to the Sailing Ship Columbia and others along the Rivers of America. As you wave hello to guests on Tom Sawyer’s Island, be sure to chat with your host Cast Member, who will undoubtedly point out details and delights that you may not notice from the ship’s other decks (ask about the hidden Mickey in the “rapids” and why Disneyland welcomes ducks and felines).

When you make the final turn back to the dock, you’ll have a chance to sign the wheelhouse guestbook and will be presented with a personalized riverboat pilot’s license, signed by none other than Walt Disney. Now, how cool will it be to add that to your resume or Disneyland scrapbook?!

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8 thoughts on “Ahoy! Earn Your Pilot’s License on Disneyland’s Mark Twain Riverboat”

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Is this something that can only be done at Disneyland or is this experience available at the Magic Kingdom too?

As cool as this experience is, I wish people wouldn’t blog about stuff like this. The visit to the wheelhouse is intended as a very special bit of magic that the riverboat captains can make for their Guests. It loses its luster when there’s a queue of Guests waiting for “their turn” in the wheelhouse, not because it’s their 80th birthday or they just got engaged, but because “I read online that I could ask for this.”

I agree with Megan, Let “people” figure out the “magic” for themselves.. I did this last year on Xmas Day!!! cuz no one knew about it, I was the only one asking…

Comments are closed.

68-Year-Old Attraction Returns to Disney Park

in Disney , Disneyland Resort

After months of refurbishment and anticipation, a beloved opening day attraction has finally reopened at Disneyland Park in Southern California.

Related: Dad Drops Child From Space Mountain Rocket

While most focus seems to be put on the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, there’s nothing quite like visiting Disneyland Resort. If you want thrills, you can visit Disney California Adventure . If you want to experience the original park that Walt built, as well as the original versions of classic rides like the Haunted Mansion , the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean , and Peter Pan’s Flight, head to Disneyland proper.

Of all the attractions at the park today, 13 are from Disneyland’s opening day on July 17, 1955, and one of these fan-favorite experiences has finally reopened after months of refurbishment .

Opening Day Attraction Returns To Disneyland

Related: No, Cinderella Castle Has Not “Burned to the Ground” at Disney World

While Disneyland is almost always open, sometimes rides need to take a break in order to be repaired or brought to modern standards. Such was the case for the Mark Twain Riverboat , which has been closed for refurbishment for the past five months.

Named after one of Walt Disney’s favorite authors, the Mark Twain Riverboat is one of the most underrated attractions in the entire park. A 14-minute boat ride along the Rivers of America and around Tom Sawyer Island , the riverboat shows classic American sights like a rustic frontier cabin, an idyllic Native American village, and various animals enjoying the sun.

Related: Disney World Raises Parking Prices Effective Immediately

More than anything, the riverboat is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the park. Just head on over to the Ship to Shore Marketplace, buy a snack (like a turkey leg , pickle, chimichanga , or corn on the cob), and avoid the crowds for a quarter of an hour.

While the more elaborate rides get more attention, like Big Thunder Mountain and the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly known as Splash Mountain ), it’s these experiences that separate Disneyland from other parks. A Disney Park is more than just roller coasters and thrill rides. It’s an adventure meant to be enjoyed by everyone .

What do you think is the most underrated Disney attraction? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

Comments Off on 68-Year-Old Attraction Returns to Disney Park

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

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Step Back In Time At Mark Twain’s Boyhood Home

Published: August 29, 2024

by Calley Galvan

Ever wondered what life was like for one of America's greatest authors? Mark Twain's Boyhood Home in Hannibal, Missouri, offers a glimpse into the early years of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. This charming town on the banks of the Mississippi River is where Twain's imagination took flight, inspiring classics like "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Visitors can tour his childhood home, explore the museum, and even walk the streets that Twain himself roamed. Whether you're a literature buff or just curious about history, Hannibal provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the world that shaped a literary legend.

Discovering Mark Twain's Boyhood Home

Mark Twain, one of America's greatest authors, spent his formative years in Hannibal, Missouri. This small town inspired many of his famous works. Visiting these spots offers a glimpse into the world that shaped Twain's imagination.

Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is the centerpiece of any visit to Hannibal. This museum complex includes several buildings and exhibits that bring Twain's stories to life.

• Mark Twain Boyhood Home : Step inside the house where young Samuel Clemens, later known as Mark Twain, grew up. The home is filled with period furnishings and artifacts that reflect his early life.
• Huckleberry Finn House : Just a short walk away, this house represents the home of Tom Blankenship, the real-life inspiration for Huck Finn.
• Becky Thatcher House : This charming house belonged to Laura Hawkins, Twain's childhood friend and the inspiration for Becky Thatcher in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."

Exploring Hannibal's Historic Downtown

Hannibal's historic downtown area is filled with sites that echo Twain's stories. Walking through these streets feels like stepping into one of his novels.

• Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse : Climb the 244 steps to this lighthouse for a panoramic view of Hannibal and the Mississippi River. The climb is worth it for the stunning scenery.
• Tom and Huck Statue : Located at the foot of Cardiff Hill, this statue commemorates Twain's beloved characters, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.
• Mark Twain Cave : This cave, featured in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," offers guided tours that delve into its history and Twain's connection to it.

Enjoying the Mississippi River

The mighty Mississippi River played a significant role in Twain's life and works. Several attractions along the riverbank celebrate this connection.

• Mark Twain Riverboat : Take a scenic cruise on this riverboat to experience the Mississippi as Twain did. The narrated tour provides insights into the river's history and its influence on Twain.
• Lovers' Leap : A scenic overlook that offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. According to local legend, it was the site of a tragic love story, adding a touch of romance to the visit.

Learning at the Mark Twain Museum Gallery

The Mark Twain Museum Gallery houses an extensive collection of Twain's personal artifacts, manuscripts, and first editions. It's a treasure trove for any Twain enthusiast.

• Interactive Exhibits : Engage with interactive displays that explore Twain's life, works, and the historical context of his writings.
• Norman Rockwell Gallery : This gallery features original paintings by Norman Rockwell, created for special editions of Twain's books. The artwork beautifully captures the essence of Twain's characters and stories.

Experiencing Hannibal's Festivals and Events

Hannibal hosts several festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate Twain's legacy. These gatherings offer a lively way to experience the town's culture and history.

• National Tom Sawyer Days : Held annually around the Fourth of July, this festival includes a parade, a fence-painting contest, and other activities inspired by Twain's works.
• Twain on Main Festival : This spring festival features live performances, craft vendors, and historical reenactments, all centered around Twain's life and times.

Visiting the Mark Twain Memorial Bridge

The Mark Twain Memorial Bridge spans the Mississippi River, connecting Missouri and Illinois . It's a fitting tribute to a man whose life and works were so deeply intertwined with the river.

• Scenic Views : Walk or drive across the bridge for stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape. The bridge itself is an impressive structure, symbolizing the connection between Twain's past and present.

Exploring the Rockcliffe Mansion

The Rockcliffe Mansion is a beautifully preserved historic home that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the early 20th century. Twain himself visited this mansion during his later years.

• Guided Tours : Take a guided tour to learn about the mansion's history, architecture, and its connection to Twain.
• Period Furnishings : The mansion is filled with original furnishings and decor, providing a rich, immersive experience of the era.

Enjoying Local Cuisine

No visit to Hannibal would be complete without sampling some local cuisine. Several restaurants and cafes offer dishes inspired by Twain's time.

• Mark Twain Dinette : This classic diner serves up comfort food with a twist, including the famous "Mark Twain Fried Chicken."
• Java Jive : A cozy coffee shop that offers a variety of beverages and pastries, perfect for a relaxing break during your exploration of Hannibal.

Exploring Riverview Park

Riverview Park offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the Mississippi River. It's a great place to relax and reflect on your visit to Twain's boyhood home.

• Walking Trails : Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the park's scenic trails, which offer beautiful views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
• Picnic Areas : Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal in one of the park's designated areas, surrounded by nature and history.

Visiting the Hannibal History Museum

The Hannibal History Museum provides a broader context for Twain's life and works, exploring the town's rich history and its impact on his writing.

• Historical Exhibits : Discover exhibits that cover Hannibal's history, from its founding to its role in the Civil War and beyond.
• Twain's Legacy : Learn about Twain's enduring legacy and how his works continue to influence literature and culture today.

Reliving History in Hannibal

Hannibal, Missouri, offers a unique glimpse into Mark Twain's early life. Walking through his boyhood home, you can almost hear the echoes of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn's adventures. The town's charm doesn't stop at Twain's house. The Mark Twain Cave Complex, where you can explore the same caves that inspired his stories, adds another layer of excitement. Don't miss the Mark Twain Riverboat for a scenic Mississippi River cruise . Hannibal's rich history and vibrant culture make it a must-visit for literature lovers and history buffs alike. Whether you're a fan of Twain's work or just looking for a quaint town with a lot to offer, Hannibal won't disappoint. Pack your bags and step back in time to experience the magic of Mark Twain's world.

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Sightseeing Tour

Trip Highlights

Soak in beautiful scenery along the mississippi river, listen to the narrated history, legends, and sights of the area, description.

This one-hour sightseeing cruise travels along the mighty Mississippi River, allowing you to soak up the scenery at a relaxing, rhythmic pace. Listen as the captain guides your cruise with historical commentary on the history, legends, and sights of the Mississippi River.

A cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat is great for family events. Whether you are a visitor or resident of Hannibal, you can make wonderful memories aboard our unique riverboat experience! Looking forward to having you onboard!

Departure time: Varies - check calendar Yearly availability: April 1 - Nov. 4 Weekly availability: Daily

300 Riverfront Drive Hannibal MO

Things to know

Food and bevarages.

A fully stocked bar and a concession stand are available to purchase sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.

Departure Time

Varies - check calendar

All cruises depart from 300 Riverfront Drive on the waterfront in historic Hannibal, MO. Boarding begins 30 minutes before scheduled departure time.

Adults (Ages 13 and older) - $26.18 + tax

Children (Ages 5-12) - $16.08 + tax

Wee Ones (Ages 4 and under) - FREE

Ask a question

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Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a night of dinner and dancing on this cruise on the Mighty Mississippi. Indulge in a delicious buffet and share a wonderful dinner with your family or friends, then enjoy live music from the dance floor or the deck.

Once on board, you are escorted to your table, then you are free to roam the boat until the captain announces that dinner is ready. After dinner, you are free to dance or sit back and enjoy the music. Live entertainment is included on our Dinner Cruises. It may be The Rivermen playing modern jazz (Saturday night from Memorial Day thru October), or you might get to enjoy the music of Tim Hart (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) and David Damm (Thursday and Friday). Listen or dance to their favorite tunes — and they have been known to take a request or two. And you never know when a crew member or two may step up on the stage and join in.

Departure time: 6:30 pm (5:30 pm in October) Yearly availability: May 3 - Oct 28 Weekly availability: Varies - check calendar

Accommodations

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The Many Adventures Of Tom Sawyer Island

• First Visit To Walt Disney World In 1972 Launched A Lifetime Of Cherished Memories
• ( view all posts )

The first time I saw Tom Sawyer Island in Walt Disney World, it was a mess.

A little more than a year after WDW opened, in the fall of 1972, the future Frontierland attraction was a work in progress. It was, in fact, a busy, somewhat chaotic construction site.

WDW’s Tom Sawyer Island attraction opened on May 20, 1973. Compared to today’s high-tech, computer-generated and computer-assisted attractions, this was the polar opposite.

You boarded a motorized raft, with no seats, from a dock in Frontierland. About two minutes later, you were on Tom Sawyer Island, ready to explore – with explore being the optimal word – the winding paths and spooky caves, an old mine and Fort Sam Clemens [now Fort Langhorne; it should be noted that author Samuel Langhorne Clemens used Mark Twain as a pen name when he wrote the Tom Sawyer stories].

In essence, it’s a children’s playground, sans swings and slides.

A visit to Tom Sawyer Island can be a pleasant interlude from the often crowded, hectic Magic Kingdom proper. Plus, you get views of the Haunted Mansion, the rest of Liberty Square, the riverboat and Frontierland that guests don’t usually see.

The original Tom Sawyer Island opened in Disneyland in June of 1956, about a year after that park opened.

The attraction was a particular favorite of Walt Disney’s, who loved the stories that Mark Twain weaved of the simple, carefree life along the Mississippi River.

“Everyone thought that I looked like Tom Sawyer and that I should ask Walt for a job playing Tom,” said Tom Nabbe, who had red hair as a youth. “One day I found Walt and told him ‘You should hire me.’ He said he’d think about it.”

Every time Nabbe saw Walt after that, he’d ask him the same question. And each time, Walt would tell Nabbe that he was thinking about it.

Walt went as far as to tell Nabbe, “Why should I put you on the island when I could put a mannequin there? Especially considering the dummy won’t be running off for hot-dogs every half hour.”

“Do you still want to be Tom Sawyer?” Walt said. Nabbe’s response? “Absolutely!”

Nabbe, still in school, had to clear several hurdles before assuming the role. He needed to acquire a work permit, a Social Security card and he had to promise Walt that he’d maintain at least a C average in school.

To prove it, Tom had to show Walt his report card periodically.

His job description included posing for photos with guests, all while wearing his trademark straw hat.

He also was responsible for maintaining the fishing equipment [poles, hooks and worms] available on the island. Back then, the Rivers of America was stocked with catfish and sunfish and guests could catch – and keep – the fish they caught.

During his tenure playing Tom and Huck, Nabbe’s freckled face appeared on the covers of several major magazines, including Parade , with the headline: Luckiest boy in the world.

Nabbe would go on to become a ride supervisor in Disneyland before transitioning to Walt Disney World, where his career blossomed, albeit behind the scenes. He played a key role in the construction of the monorail, then became instrumental in the operation of WDW’s enormous logistical warehouses.

Disneyland’s Tom Sawyer Island has seen its share of changes over the years.

And in 2007, the island took on a swashbuckling theme when it became Pirate’s Liar on Tom Sawyer Island, taking on characters and elements from Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.

For instance, names like Laffite’s Tavern and Dead Man Grotto replaced Harper’s Mill and Injun Joe’s Cave. Disney’s creative staff was able to make the thematic change because, they explained, Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn and Becky Thatcher would often “play pirates” in the Mark Twain books. The success of the Pirates of the Caribbean films didn’t hurt, either.

To make room for the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expansion a few years ago, the northern end of the island was shortened. And the settler’s cabin, which had been “on fire” for decades, was demolished and replaced by a new, flame-free cabin.

Tom Sawyer Island in Disneyland Paris, while proposed, never made it off the drawing board.

Retired Disney Imagineer and Disney Legend Tony Baxter was the man who dreamed up the Big Thunder Mountain attraction in Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

When he had a chance to revisit the roller coaster in Disneyland Paris, he jumped at the idea.

So when Tom Sawyer Island was scrapped in France, Baxter had an opportunity to improve on his original creation.

“We found that the stories of Mark Twain weren’t as well embedded into French society, so losing a Tom Sawyer Island wasn’t such a big deal,” Baxter said.

With an island now up for grabs, Baxter proposed running the main section of Big Thunder’s track onto that island. It was a stroke of genius.

“To get there, the first thing you have to do is dive under the Rivers of America to get out to the island,” Baxter said.

“So the second you leave the station, you have one of the best drops in the whole ride … and it’s only eclipsed by that last run-out at the end, where it’s pitch black and – POW! – the next thing you know, you’re back at the station on the other side of the river.”

The idea of an island playground for kids wasn’t lost on Disneyland Paris’ planners. Their island, known as Adventure Isle, is located near the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, where kids can explore secret caves and pirate hangouts.

“We took all the action of Tom Sawyer Island – the caves, the suspension bridges and everything – and created what was kind of prophetic. We created a place called Adventure Isle, which is the realm of the pirates, where you go into pirates’ caves and dungeons and wrecked ships and, lo and behold, 10 years later, there’s this little movie called Pirates of the Caribbean .

Hong Kong Disneyland also has an island playland in Adventureland, but with Tarzan’s Treehouse as its main thematic element.

Meanwhile, Tokyo Disneyland features Tom Sawyer Island with theming that’s similar to the version at Walt Disney World.

Chuck Schmidt is an award-winning journalist and retired Disney cast member who has covered all things Disney since 1984 in both print and on-line. He has authored or co-authored seven books on Disney, including his On the Disney Beat and Disney’s Dream Weavers for Theme Park Press. He has written a regular blog for  AllEars.Net , called Still Goofy About Disney , 2015.

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Chuck Schmidt

Chuck Schmidt, bitten by the Disney bug at an early age, remembers watching The Mickey Mouse Club after school in the mid-1950s. During his 48-year career in the newspaper business, he channeled that love of Disney as the Sunday News and Travel editor for The Staten Island Advance. Chuck has written or co-authored seven books for Theme Park Press, including Disney's Dream Weavers, On the Disney Beat, An American in Disneyland Paris, Disney's Animal Kingdom: An Unofficial History and The Beat Goes On. Chuck has shared his passion for all things Disney in his Still Goofy About Disney blog on AllEars.Net since 2015. He resides in Beachwood, N.J., with his wife Janet. They have three adult children and seven grandchildren.

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2 Replies to “The Many Adventures Of Tom Sawyer Island”

Great article. I didn’t know they had a real Tom at one point.

Another great article, Mr. Schmidt! Thanks for writing it. So interesting…I love Disney history!

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Old Times on the Mississippi (Part VI)

The sixth installment in a seven-part series about the author’s youthful training as a riverboat pilot

VI. Official Rank and Dignity of a Pilot. The Rise and Decadence of the Pilots’ Association.

In my preceding articles I have tried, by going into the minutiæ of the science of piloting, to carry the reader step by step to a comprehension of what the science consists of; and at the same time I have tried to show him that it is a very curious and wonderful science, too, and very worthy of his attention. If I have seemed to love my subject, it is no surprising thing, for I loved the profession far better than any I have followed since, and I took a measureless pride in it. The reason is plain: a pilot, in those days, was the only unfettered and entirely independent human being that lived in the earth. Kings are but the hampered servants of parliament and people; parliaments sit in chains forged by their constituency; the editor of a newspaper cannot be independent, but must work with one hand tied behind him by party and patrons, and be content to utter only half or two thirds of his mind; no clergyman is a free man and may speak the whole truth, regardless of his parish’s opinions; writers of all kinds are manacled servants of the public. We write frankly and fearlessly, but then we “modify” before we print. In truth, every man and woman and child has a master, and worries and frets in servitude; but in the day I write of, the Mississippi pilot had none . The captain could stand upon the hurricane deck, in the pomp of a very brief authority, and give him five or six orders, while the vessel backed into the stream, and then that skipper’s reign was over. The moment that the boat was under way in the river, she was under the sole and unquestioned control of the pilot. He could do with her exactly as he pleased, run her when and whither he chose, and tie her up to the bank whenever his judgment said that that course was best. His movements were entirely free; he consulted no one, he received commands from nobody, he promptly resented even the merest suggestions. Indeed, the law of the United States forbade him to listen to commands or suggestions, rightly considering that the pilot necessarily knew better how to handle the boat than anybody could tell him. So here was the novelty of a king without a keeper, an absolute monarch who was absolute in sober truth and not by a fiction of words. I have seen a boy of eighteen taking a great steamer serenely into what seemed almost certain destruction, and the aged captain standing mutely by, filled with apprehension but powerless to interfere. His interference, in that particular instance, might have been an excellent thing, but to permit it would have been to establish a most pernicious precedent. It will easily be guessed, considering the pilot’s boundless authority, that he was a great personage in the old steamboating days. He was treated with marked courtesy by the captain and with marked deference by all the officers and servants; and this deferential spirit was quickly communicated to the passengers, too. I think pilots were about the only people I ever knew who failed to show, in some degree, embarrassment in the presence of traveling foreign princes. But then, people in one’s own grade of life are not usually embarrassing objects.

By long habit, pilots came to put all their wishes in the form of commands. It “gravels” me, to this day, to put my will in the weak shape of a request, instead of launching it in the crisp language of an order.

In those old days, to load a steamboat at St. Louis, take her to New Orleans and back, and discharge cargo, consumed about twenty-five days, on an average. Seven or eight of these days the boat spent at the wharves of St. Louis and New Orleans, and every soul on board was hard at work, except the two pilots; they did nothing but play gentleman, up town, and receive the same wages for it as if they had been on duty. The moment the boat touched the wharf at either city, they were ashore; and they were not likely to be seen again till the last bell was ringing and everything in readiness for another voyage.

When a captain got hold of a pilot of particularly high reputation, he took pains to keep him. When wages were four hundred dollars a month on the Upper Mississippi, I have known a captain to keep such a pilot in idleness, under full pay, three months at a time, while the river was frozen up. And one must remember that in those cheap times four hundred dollars was a salary of almost inconceivable splendor. Few men on shore got such pay as that, and when they did they were mightily looked up to. When pilots from either end of the river wandered into our small Missouri village, they were sought by the best and the fairest, and treated with exalted respect. Lying in port under wages was a thing which many pilots greatly enjoyed and appreciated; especially if they belonged in the Missouri River in the heyday of that trade (Kansas times), and got nine hundred dollars a trip, which was equivalent to about eighteen hundred dollars a month. Here is a conversation of that day. A chap out of the Illinois River, with a little stern-wheel tub, accosts a couple of ornate and gilded Missouri River pilots: —

“Gentlemen, I’ve got a pretty good trip for the up-country, and shall want you about a month. How much will it be?”

“Eighteen hundred dollars apiece.”

“Heavens and earth! You take my boat, let me have your wages, and I’ll divide!”

I will remark, in passing, that Mississippi steamboatmen were important in landsmen’s eyes (and in their own, too, in a degree) according to the dignity of the boat they were on. For instance, it was a proud thing to be of the crew of such stately craft as the Aleck Scott or the Grand Turk. Negro firemen, deck hands, and barbers belonging to those boats were distinguished personages in their grade of life, and they were well aware of that fact, too. A stalwart darkey once gave offense at a negro ball in New Orleans by putting on a good many airs. Finally one of the managers bustled up to him and said, —

“Who is you, anyway? Who is you? dat’s what I wants to know!”

The offender was not disconcerted in the least, but swelled himself up and threw that into his voice which showed that he knew he was not putting on all those airs on a stinted capital.

“Who is l? Who is l? I let you know mighty quick who I is! I want you niggers to understan’ dat I fires de middle do’ 1 on de Aleck Scott!”

That was sufficient.

The barber of the Grand Turk was a spruce young negro, who aired his importance with balmy complacency, and was greatly courted by the circle in which he moved. The young colored population of New Orleans were much given to flirting, at twilight, on the pavements of the back streets. Somebody saw and heard something like the following, one evening, in one of those localities. A middle-aged negro woman projected her head through a broken pane and shouted (very willing that the neighbors should hear and envy), “You Mary Ann, come in de house dis minute! Stannin’ out dah foolin’ ’long wid dat low trash, an’ heah’s de barber off ’n de Gran’ Turk wants to conwerse wid you!”

My reference, a moment ago, to the fact that a pilot’s peculiar official position placed him out of the reach of criticism or command, brings Stephen W—— naturally to my mind. He was a gifted pilot, a good fellow, a tireless talker, and had both wit and humor in him. He had a most irreverent independence, too, and was deliciously easy-going and comfortable in the presence of age, official dignity, and even the most august wealth. He always had work, he never saved a penny, he was a most persuasive borrower, he was in debt to every pilot on the river, and to the majority of the captains. He could throw a sort of splendor around a bit of harum-scarum, devil-may-care piloting, that made it almost fascinating—but not to everybody. He made a trip with good old gentle-spirited Captain Y—— once, and was “relieved” from duty when the boat got to New Orleans. Somebody expressed surprise at the discharge. Captain Y—— shuddered at the mere mention of Stephen. Then his poor, thin old voice piped out something like this: —

“Why, bless me! I wouldn’t have such a wild creature on my boat for the world—not for the whole world! He swears, he sings, he whistles, he yells—I never saw such an Injun to yell. All times of the night—it never made any difference to him. He would just yell that way, not for anything in particular, but merely on account of a kind of devilish comfort he got out of it. I never could get into a sound sleep but he would fetch me out of bed, all in a cold sweat, with one of those dreadful war-whoops. A queer being, — very queer being; no respect for anything or anybody. Sometimes he called me ‘ Johnny .’ And he kept a fiddle, and a cat. He played execrably. This seemed to distress the cat, and so the cat would howl. Nobody could sleep where that man—and his family—was. And reckless? There never was anything like it. Now you may believe it or not, but as sure as I am sitting here, he brought my boat a-tilting down through those awful snags at Chicot under a rattling head of steam, and the wind a-blowing like the very nation, at that! My officers will tell you so. They saw it. And, sir, while he was a-tearing right down through those snags, and I a-shaking in my shoes and praying, I wish I may never speak again if he didn’t pucker up his mouth and go to whistling ! Yes, sir; whistling ‘Buffalo gals, can’t you come out to-night, can’t you come out to-night, can’t you come out to-night;’ and doing it as calmly as if we were attending a funeral and weren’t related to the corpse. And when I remonstrated with him about it, he smiled down on me as if I was his child, and told me to run in the house and try to be good, and not be meddling with my superiors!” 2

Once a pretty mean captain caught Stephen in New Orleans out of work and as usual out of money. He laid steady siege to Stephen, who was in a very “close place,” and finally persuaded him to hire with him at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per month, just hail wages, the captain agreeing not to divulge the secret and so bring down the contempt of all the guild upon the poor fellow. But the boat was not more than a day out of New Orleans before Stephen discovered that the captain was boasting of his exploit, and that all the officers had been told. Stephen winced, but said nothing. About the middle of the afternoon the captain stepped out on the hurricane deck, cast his eye around, and looked a good deal surprised. He glanced inquiringly aloft at Stephen, but Stephen was whistling placidly, and attending to business. The captain stood around a while in evident discomfort, and once or twice seemed about to make a suggestion; but the etiquette of the river taught him to avoid that sort of rashness, and so he managed to hold his peace. He chafed and puzzled a few minutes longer, then retired to his apartments. But soon he was out again, and apparently more perplexed than ever. Presently he ventured to remark, with deference, —

“Pretty good stage of the river now, ain’t it, sir?”

“Well, I should say so! Bank-full is a pretty liberal stage.”

“Seems to be a good deal of current here.”

“Good deal don’t describe it! It’s worse than a mill-race.”

“Isn’t it easier in toward shore than it is out here in the middle?”

“Yes, I reckon it is; but a body can’t be too careful with a steamboat. It’s pretty safe out here; can’t strike any bottom here, you can depend on that.”

The captain departed, looking rueful enough. At this rate, he would probably die of old age before his boat got to St. Louis. Next day he appeared on deck and again found Stephen faithfully standing up the middle of the river, fighting the whole vast force of the Mississippi, and whistling the same placid tune. This thing was becoming serious. In by the shore was a slower boat clipping along in the easy water and gaining steadily; she began to make for an island chute; Stephen stuck to the middle of the river. Speech was wrung from the captain. He said, —

“Mr. W——, don’t that chute cut off a good deal of distance?”

“I think it does, but I don’t know.”

“Don’t know! Well, isn’t there water enough in it now to go through?”

“I expect there is, but I am not certain.”

“Upon my word this is odd! Why, those pilots on that boat yonder are going to try it. Do you mean to say that you don’t know as much as they do?”

“ They ! Why, they are two-hundred-and-fifty-dollar pilots! But don’t you be uneasy; I know as much as any man can afford to know for a hundred and twenty-five!”

Five minutes later Stephen was bowling through the chute and showing the rival boat a two-hundred-and-fifty-dollar pair of heels.

One day, on board the Aleck Scott, my chief, Mr. B——, was crawling carefully through a close place at Cat Island, both leads going, and everybody holding his breath. The captain, a nervous, apprehensive man, kept still as long as he could, but finally broke down and shouted from the hurricane deck, —

“For gracious’ sake, give her steam, Mr. B——! give her steam! She’ll never raise the reef on this headway!”

For all the effect that was produced upon Mr. B——, one would have supposed that no remark had been made. But five minutes later, when the danger was past and the leads laid in, he burst instantly into a consuming fury, and gave the captain the most admirable cursing I ever listened to. No bloodshed ensued; but that was because the captain’s cause was weak; for ordinarily he was not a man to take correction quietly.

Having now set forth in detail the nature of the science of piloting, and likewise described the rank which the pilot held among the fraternity of steamboatmen, this seems a fitting place to say a few words about an organization which the pilots once formed for the protection of their guild. It was curious and noteworthy in this, that it was perhaps the compactest, the completest, and the strongest commercial organization ever formed among men.

For a long time wages had been two hundred and fifty dollars a month; but curiously enough, as steamboats multiplied and business increased, the wages began to fall, little by little. It was easy to discover the reason of this. Too many pilots were being “made.” It was nice to have a “cub,” a steersman, to do all the hard work for a couple of years, gratis, while his master sat on a high bench and smoked; all pilots and captains had sons or brothers who wanted to be pilots. By and by it came to pass that nearly every pilot on the river had a steersman. When a steersman had made an amount of progress that was satisfactory to any two pilots in the trade, they could get a pilot’s license for him by signing an application directed to the United States Inspector. Nothing further was needed; usually no questions were asked, no proofs of capacity required.

Very well, this growing swarm of new pilots presently began to undermine the wages, in order to get berths. Too late—apparently—the knights of the tiller perceived their mistake. Plainly, something had to be done, and quickly; but what was to be the needful thing? A close organization. Nothing else would answer. To compass this seemed an impossibility; so it was talked, and talked, and then dropped. It was too likely to ruin whoever ventured to move in the matter. But at last about a dozen of the boldest—and some of them the best—pilots on the river launched themselves into the enterprise and took all the chances. They got a special charter from the legislature, with large powers, under the name of the Pilots’ Benevolent Association; elected their officers, completed their organization, contributed capital, put “association” wages up to two hundred and fifty dollars at once—and then retired to their homes, for they were promptly discharged from employment. But there were two or three unnoticed trifles in their by-laws which had the seeds of propagation in them. For instance, all idle members of the association, in good standing, were entitled to a pension of twenty-five dollars per month. This began to bring in one straggler after another from the ranks of the new-fledged pilots, in the dull (summer) season. Better have twenty-five dollars than starve; the initiation fee was only twelve dollars, and no dues required from the unemployed.

Also, the widows of deceased members in good standing could draw twenty-five dollars per month, and a certain sum for each of their children. Also, the said deceased would be buried at the association’s expense. These things resurrected all the superannuated and forgotten pilots in the Mississippi Valley. They came from farms, they came from interior villages, they came from everywhere. They came on crutches, on drays, in ambulances, — any way, so they got there. They paid in their twelve dollars, and straightway began to draw out twenty-five dollars a month and calculate their burial bills.

By and by, all the useless, helpless pilots, and a dozen first-class ones, were in the association, and nine tenths of the best pilots out of it and laughing at it. It was the laughing-stock of the whole river. Everybody joked about the by-law requiring members to pay ten per cent. of their wages, every month, into the treasury for the support of the association, whereas all the members were outcast and tabooed, and no one would employ them. Everybody was derisively grateful to the association for taking all the worthless pilots out of the way and leaving the whole field to the excellent and the deserving; and everybody was not only jocularly grateful for that, but for a result which naturally followed, namely, the gradual advance of wages as the busy season approached. Wages had gone up from the low figure of one hundred dollars a month to one hundred and twenty-five, and in some cases to one hundred and fifty; and it was great fun to enlarge upon the fact that this charming thing had been accomplished by a body of men not one of whom received a particle of benefit from it. Some of the jokers used to call at the association rooms and have a good time chaffing the members and offering them the charity of taking them as steersmen for a trip, so that they could see what the forgotten river looked like. However, the association was content; or at least it gave no sign to the contrary. Now and then it captured a pilot who was “out of luck,” and added him to its list; and these later additions were very valuable, for they were good pilots; the incompetent ones had all been absorbed before. As business freshened, wages climbed gradually up to two hundred and fifty dollars—the association figure—and became firmly fixed there; and still without benefiting a member of that body, for no member was hired. The hilarity at the association’s expense burst all bounds, now. There was no end to the fun which that poor martyr had to put up with.

However, it is a long lane that has no turning. Winter approached, business doubled and trebled, and an avalanche of Missouri, Illinois, and Upper Mississippi River boats came pouring down to take a chance in the New Orleans trade. All of a sudden, pilots were in great demand, and were correspondingly scarce. The time for revenge was come. It was a bitter pill to have to accept association pilots at last, yet captains and owners agreed that there was no other way. But none of these outcasts offered! So there was a still bitterer pill to be swallowed: they must be sought out and asked for their services. Captain —— was the first man who found it necessary to take the dose, and he had been the loudest derider of the organization. He hunted up one of the best of the association pilots and said, —

“Well, you boys have rather got the best of us for a little while, so I’ll give in with as good a grace as I can. I’ve come to hire you; get your trunk aboard right away. I want to leave at twelve o’clock.”

“I don’t know about that. Who is your other pilot?”

“I’ve got I. S——. Why?”

“I can’t go with him. He don’t belong to the association.”

“Do you mean to tell me that you won’t turn a wheel with one of the very best and oldest pilots on the river because he don’t belong to your association?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Well, if this isn’t putting on airs! I supposed I was doing you a benevolence; but I begin to think that l am the party that wants a favor done. Are you acting under a law of the concern?”

“Show it to me.”

So they stepped into the association rooms, and the secretary soon satisfied the captain, who said, —

“Well, what am I to do? I have hired Mr. S—— for the entire season.”

“I will provide for you,” said the secretary. “I will detail a pilot to go with you, and he shall be on board at twelve o’clock.”

“But if I discharge S——, he will come on me for the whole seasons wages.”

“Of course that is a matter between you and Mr. S——, captain. We cannot meddle in your private affairs.”

The captain stormed, but to no purpose. In the end he had to discharge S——, pay him about a thousand dollars, and take an association pilot in his place. The laugh was beginning to turn the other way, now. Every day, thenceforward, a new victim fell; every day some outraged captain discharged a non-association pet, with tears and profanity, and installed a hated association man in his berth. In a very little while, idle non-associationists began to be pretty plenty, brisk as business was, and much as their services were desired. The laugh was shifting to the other side of their mouths most palpably. These victims, together with the captains and owners, presently ceased to laugh altogether, and began to rage about the revenge they would take when the passing business “spurt” was over.

Soon all the laughers that were left were the owners and crews of boats that had two non-association pilots. But their triumph was not very long-lived. For this reason: It was a rigid rule of the association that its members should never, under any circumstances whatever, give information about the channel to any “outsider.” By this time about half the boats had none but association pilots, and the other half had none but outsiders. At the first glance one would suppose that when it came to forbidding information about the river these two parties could play equally at that game; but this was not so. At every good-sized town from one end of the river to the other, there was a “wharf-boat” to land at, instead of a wharf or a pier. Freight was stored in it for transportation, waiting passengers slept in its cabins. Upon each of these wharf-boats the association’s officers placed a strong box, fastened with a peculiar lock which was used in no other service but one—the United States mail service. It was the letter-bag lock, a sacred governmental thing. By dint of much beseeching the government had been persuaded to allow the association to use this lock. Every association man carried a key which would open these boxes. That key, or rather a peculiar way of holding it in the hand when its owner was asked for river information by a stranger, — for the success of the St. Louis and New Orleans association had now bred tolerably thriving branches in a dozen neighboring steamboat trades, — was the association man’s sign and diploma of membership; and if the stranger did not respond by producing a similar key and holding it in a certain manner duly prescribed, his question was politely ignored. From the associations secretary each member received a package of more or less gorgeous blanks, printed like a bill-head, on handsome paper, properly ruled in columns; a bill-head worded something like this:

STEAMER GREAT REPUBLIC JOHN SMITH, MASTER. Pilots, John Jones and Thos. Brown. Crossing. Soundings. Marks. Remarks.

These blanks were filled up, day by day, as the voyage progressed, and deposited in the several wharf-boat boxes. For instance, as soon as the first crossing, out from St. Louis, was completed, the items would be entered upon the blank, under the appropriate headings, thus: —

“St. Louis. Nine and a half (feet). Stern on court-house, head on dead cottonwood above wood-yard, until you raise the first reef, then pull up square.” Then under head of Remarks: “Go just outside the wrecks; this is important. New snag just where you straighten down; go above it.”

The pilot who deposited that blank in the Cairo box (after adding to it the details of every crossing all the way down from St. Louis) took out and read half a dozen fresh reports (from upward bound steamers) concerning the river between Cairo and Memphis, posted himself thoroughly, returned them to the box, and went back aboard his boat again so armed against accident that he could not possibly get his boat into trouble without bringing the most ingenious carelessness to his aid.

Imagine the benefits of so admirable a system in a piece of river twelve or thirteen hundred miles long, whose channel was shifting every day! The pilot who had formerly been obliged to put up with seeing a shoal place once or possibly twice a month, had a hundred sharp eyes to watch it for him, now, and bushels of intelligent brains to tell him how to run it. His information about it was seldom twenty-four hours old. If the reports in the last box chanced to leave any misgivings on his mind concerning a treacherous crossing, he had his remedy; he blew his steam-whistle in a peculiar way as soon as he saw a boat approaching; the signal was answered in a peculiar way if that boat’s pilots were association men; and then the two steamers ranged alongside and all uncertainties were swept away by fresh information furnished to the inquirer by word of mouth and in minute detail.

The first thing a pilot did when he reached New Orleans or St. Louis was to take his final and elaborate report to the association parlors and hang it up there, — after which he was free to visit his family. In these parlors a crowd was always gathered together, discussing changes in the channel, and the moment there was a fresh arrival, everybody stopped talking till this witness had told the newest news and settled the latest uncertainty. Other craftsmen can “sink the shop,” sometimes, and interest themselves in other matters. Not so with a pilot; he must devote himself wholly to his profession and talk of nothing else; for it would be small gain to be perfect one day and imperfect the next. He has no time or words to waste if he would keep “posted.”

But the outsiders had a hard time of it. No particular place to meet and exchange information, no wharf-boat reports, none but chance and unsatisfactory ways of getting news. The consequence was that a man sometimes had to run five hundred miles of river on information that was a week or ten days old. At a fair stage of the river that might have answered; but when the dead low water came it was destructive.

Now came another perfectly logical result. The outsiders began to ground steamboats, sink them, and get into all sorts of trouble, whereas accidents seemed to keep entirely away from the association men. Wherefore even the owners and captains of boats furnished exclusively with outsiders, and previously considered to be wholly independent of the association and free to comfort themselves with brag and laughter, began to feel pretty uncomfortable. Still, they made a show of keeping up the brag, until one black day when every captain of the lot was formally ordered immediately to discharge his outsiders and take association pilots in their stead. And who was it that had the gaudy presumption to do that? Alas, it came from a power behind the throne that was greater than the throne itself. It was the underwriters!

It was no time to “swap knives.” Every outsider had to take his trunk ashore at once. Of course it was supposed that there was collusion between the association and the underwriters, but this was not so. The latter had come to comprehend the excellence of the “report” system of the association and the safety it secured, and so they had made their decision among themselves and upon plain business principles.

There was weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth in the camp of the outsiders now. But no matter, there was but one course for them to pursue, and they pursued it. They came forward in couples and groups, and proffered their twelve dollars and asked for membership. They were surprised to learn that several new by-laws had been long ago added. For instance, the initiation fee had been raised to fifty dollars; that sum must be tendered, and also ten per cent. of the wages which the applicant had received each and every month since the founding of the association. In many eases this amounted to three or four hundred dollars. Still, the association would not entertain the application until the money was present. Even then a single adverse vote killed the application. Every member had to vote yes or no in person and before witnesses; so it took weeks to decide a candidacy, because many pilots were so long absent on voyages. However, the repentant sinners scraped their savings together, and one by one, by our tedious voting process, they were added to the fold. A time came, at last, when only about ten remained outside. They said they would starve before they would apply. They remained idle a long while, because of course nobody could venture to employ them.

By and by the association published the fact that upon a certain date the wages would be raised to five hundred dollars per month. All the branch associations had grown strong, now, and the Red River one had advanced wages to seven hundred dollars a month. Reluctantly the ten outsiders yielded, in view of these things, and made application. There was another new by-law, by this time, which required them to pay dues not only on all the wages they had received since the association was born, but also on what they would have received if they had continued at work up to the tune of their application, instead of going off to pout in idleness. It turned out to be a difficult matter to elect them, but it was accomplished at last. The most virulent sinner of this batch had stayed out and allowed “dues” to accumulate against him so long that he had to send in six hundred and twenty-five dollars with his application.

The association had a good bank account now, and was very strong. There was no longer an outsider. A by-law was added forbidding the reception of any more cubs or apprentices for five years; after which time a limited number would be taken, not by individuals, but by the association, upon these terms: the applicant must not be less than eighteen years old, of respectable family and good character; he must pass an examination as to education, pay a thousand dollars in advance for the privilege of becoming an apprentice, and must remain under the commands of the association until a great part of the membership (more than half, I think) should be willing to sign his application for a pilot’s license.

All previously-articled apprentices were now taken away from their masters and adopted by the association. The president and secretary detailed them for service on one boat or another, as they chose, and changed them from boat to boat according to certain rules. If a pilot could show that he was in infirm health and needed assistance, one of the cubs would be ordered to go with him.

The widow and orphan list grew, but so did the association’s financial resources. The association attended its own funerals in state, and paid for them. When occasion demanded, it sent members down the river upon searches for the bodies of brethren lost by steamboat accidents; a search of this kind sometimes cost a thousand dollars.

The association procured a charter and went into the insurance business, also. It not only insured the lives of its members, but took risks on steamboats.

The organization seemed indestructible. It was the tightest monopoly in the world. By the United States law, no man could become a pilot unless two duly licensed pilots signed his application; and now there was nobody outside of the association competent to sign. Consequently the making of pilots was at an end. Every year some would die and others become incapacitated by age and infirmity; there would be no new ones to take their places. In time, the association could put wages up to any figure it chose; and as long as it should be wise enough not to carry the thing too far and provoke the national government into amending the licensing system, steamboat owners would have to submit, since there would be no help for it.

The owners and captains were the only obstruction that lay between the association and absolute power; and at last this one was removed. Incredible as it may seem, the owners and captains deliberately did it themselves. When the pilots’ association announced, months beforehand, that on the first day of September, 1861, wages would be advanced to five hundred dollars per month, the owners and captains instantly put freights up a few cents, and explained to the farmers along the river the necessity of it, by calling their attention to the burdensome rate of wages about to be established. It was a rather slender argument, but the farmers did not seem to detect it. It looked reasonable to them that to add five cents freight on a bushel of corn was justifiable under the circumstances, overlooking the fact that this advance on a cargo of forty thousand sacks was a good deal more than necessary to cover the new wages.

So straightway the captains and owners got up an association of their own, and proposed to put captains’ wages up to five hundred dollars, too, and move for another advance in freights. It was a novel idea, but of course an effect which had been produced once could be produced again. The new association decreed (for this was before all the outsiders had been taken into the pilots’ association) that if any captain employed a non-association pilot, he should be forced to discharge him, and also pay a fine of five hundred dollars. Several of these heavy fines were paid before the captains’ organization grew strong enough to exercise full authority over its membership; but that all ceased, presently. The captains tried to get the pilots to decree that no member of their corporation should serve under a non-association captain; but this proposition was declined. The pilots saw that they would be backed up by the captains and the underwriters anyhow, and so they wisely refrained from entering into entangling alliances.

As I have remarked, the pilots association was now the compactest monopoly in the world, perhaps, and seemed simply indestructible. And yet the days of its glory were numbered. First, the new railroad stretching up through Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky, to Northern railway centres, began to divert the passenger travel from the steamers; next the war came and almost entirely annihilated the steamboating industry during several years, leaving most of the pilots idle, and the cost of living advancing all the time; then the treasurer of the St. Louis association put his hand into the till and walked off with every dollar of the ample fund; and finally, the railroads intruding everywhere, there was little for steamers to do, when the war was over, but carry freights; so straight-way some genius from the Atlantic coast and behold, in the twinkling of an eye, introduced the plan of towing a dozen as it were, the association and the noble steamer cargoes down to New Orleans science of piloting were things of the at the tail of a vulgar little tug-boat; dead and pathetic past!

• Considering a captain’s ostentatious but hollow chieftainship, and a pilot’s real authority, there was something impudently apt and happy about that way of phrasing it. ↩

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Mark Twain Riverboat, 2024 full POV ride and narration at Rivers of America, Disneyland Resort

Strolling through Frontierland, we saw the Mark Twain Riverboat about ready to pull anchor, and pretty soon the Wonderlanders were on it. This iconic boat ride takes passengers through Walt Disney’s Rivers of America. With a new narration inspired by Tiana’s Princess and the Frog and foreshadowing the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, this trip takes us through a nostalgic view of New Orleans, the Columbia River Gorge, a Native American village, and other river scenes complete wildlife, the Disneyland Railroad, and the ruins of a mining cart track. Enjoy this ride with us at Disneyland Resort.

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Was Mark Twain Really a Confederate?

Mark Twain is one of America’s most celebrated authors. He served against the Union during the Civil War. Where did his true allegiance lie?

Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, gained significant praise for several literary works. Classic novels recounting childhood in the southern states, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, are among the most popular.

Clemens served briefly in the Confederacy during the Civil War. Known for his satire and wit, he provided different accounts of his military experience, each with questionable accuracy. What did Twain truly feel about the conflict, and did his attitude change throughout his life?

The Early Life & Adventures of Mark Twain

Samuel Clemens was born on November 30, 1835 in Florida, Missouri, a tiny village in the northern part of the state. His family moved from Tennessee before Samuel’s birth, and his father, John Marshall Clemens, soon relocated the family again to Hannibal, Missouri, on the Mississippi River. His father pursued several entrepreneurial ventures there, including shopkeeping and slave trading. These efforts failed, and the family relied on money sent home from Samuel’s older brother, Orion, who worked as a newspaper printer.

Samuel mirrored his brother’s career, leaving home in 1853 and finding employment as a typesetter in various cities. In 1854 , Clemens joined a group armed to dispel rioters in St. Louis. Samuel’s band marched to the scene, but as they drew closer, he asked his friend to hold his musket while he fell out to get a drink. He did not return. This suggests a natural aversion to violence and a pretext for his wartime desertion. After forays across the country, he returned to Hannibal in 1857 and became a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi. This experience influenced his future pen name, “Mark Twain,” a call signifying the river was deep enough in that spot for safe passage.

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Orion grew to support the abolition of slavery , a position that Samuel resisted. Their uncle owned many enslaved people as a farmer, and both grew up in a society that upheld the institution as natural . Even in northern cities such as Syracuse, New York, Samuel complained of abolitionists and the presence of free people of color. He voted for John Bell in the 1860 election , who embodied the pro-slavery yet anti-secession position. This platform meant a continuation of the life Samuel knew, one which was soon to change drastically.

Missouri in the Civil War

Missouri was a border state , which remained with the Union yet allowed slavery. Many residents had mixed feelings at the start of the conflict. Slavery and the Mississippi River tied the state to the south, yet its industry and railroads linked it to the north. After the firing on Fort Sumter , Missouri’s governor resisted Lincoln’s call for troops and issued his own mobilization orders for the Missouri State Guard. The State Guard moved to threaten the Federal arsenal in St. Louis. First, they established a position named Camp Jackson on the outskirts of town.

Union commanders in the city raised their own militia, and on May 10th, with superior numbers, they compelled Camp Jackson to surrender. As the bluecoats marched their prisoners through the city streets, secessionist onlookers ridiculed them, pelted them with various items, and drew weapons. Federal soldiers shot into the opposing procession, and the event ended in the deaths of two soldiers and twenty-eight civilians. Labeled the Camp Jackson Affair, this caused many indecisive Missourians to view US troops as an occupying force and rally around the Confederate cause.

Mark Twain’s Contradictory Civil War Service

Twain chronicled his wartime experience in a fictionalized short autobiography published in 1885, The Private History of a Campaign That Failed . Rather than detailing heroic escapades, the author portrays his military career as a grand adventure. He and his local comrades numbered only fifteen and formed a company in Hannibal, stylizing themselves the Marion Rangers, named after their county. They first elected a captain, and Clemens became second lieutenant. The new soldiers found difficulty following orders from those whom they knew their entire lives. They balked at any hint of facing the enemy, instead practicing horsemanship, visiting local girls, and finding entertainment in camp.

Union forces quickly seized Jefferson City and exercised control of the Missouri River, which left many State Guard units unable to join Confederate armies. The formation of the Union militia forced the Marion Rangers to move with caution. Only once did Clemens’ group fire upon an adversary, a wanderer who accidentally stumbled upon their position. Clemens expressed this mistake as embodying the nature of war, the killing of outsiders who had no intimate quarrel with oneself. For this reason and close pursuit by a Union colonel, he and other compatriots deemed themselves unsuited for fighting.

Eight years before The Private History of a Campaign , Twain addressed Union veterans and offered an alternate interpretation of his service. He claimed to have enlisted in the State Guard under General Tom Harris’s command. Professing to uphold the tenets of the American Revolution and Constitution, Clemens expressed confusion as to what side they were fighting for. He asked for a transfer to a less active field after close encounters with the enemy. Facing a court martial for this insubordination, he and his entire brigade deserted.

Why Did Mark Twain Desert?

Clemens was 25 (and a half) years old at the time of his enlistment, the typical age for a Civil War soldier. Twain wrote his reasons for enlistment and desertion years after the war when he tried to appeal to those who served. Examination of his authentic rationale proves challenging. Few of his letters from the opening period of the war survive. In those that do, he expresses ambivalence to the dissolution of the United States. Yet the outbreak of conflict ceased the need for commercial traffic along the Mississippi and left Clemens out of work.

Samuel could have lent his services to either army as a riverboat pilot, as two of his superiors did, one for the Union and one for the Confederacy. Federal General John B. Grey summoned Clemens to discuss piloting troop transports along the Missouri River, an offer which Clemens refused based on unfamiliarity with that waterway.

Baylor professor Dr. Joe B. Fulton posited the motivation for Twain’s desertion could have been the consequences Federal forces warned Confederate militia members of. These included execution and confiscation of family property. Twain claimed in a 1901 event commemorating Lincoln’s birthday, “We believed in those days we were fighting for the right–and it was a noble fight, for we were fighting for our sweethearts, our homes, and our lives.” Ultimately, a lack of conviction in the Confederate cause, unwilling compatriots, and fear of battle influenced his decision to withdraw from the military.

What Happened After His Desertion?

Orion was a prominent Republican advocate who supported Lincoln’s election. The president appointed him secretary of the Nevada Territory, yet Orion did not have the finances to pay for travel. Samuel granted him the necessary money and accompanied him as an aide. In Nevada, Samuel bragged about his lieutenant position in the Confederacy. This aggravated his brother and the governor of Nevada, who called Samuel a “damned secessionist.”

However, Samuel used newspaper writing and his existing wealth to fundraise for the US Sanitary Commission, an organization providing for the health of Union soldiers. He jeopardized this success by integrating his characteristic satire with news. Samuel claimed in an article that proceeds raised for the Sanitary Commission were instead bound for a society promoting interracial marriage. Not only was this revelatory to Clemens’ views on equality and the Union cause, but it also sparked outrage, which prompted him to move to San Francisco.

In private correspondence, Clemens still exhibited secessionist views. He saw Union forces as “the enemy” and sympathized with Confederate Missourians. These letters portray Samuel more as an opponent of what he saw as an invading army of occupation rather than a proponent of Confederate independence. After Lincoln’s assassination, Twain satirized a poem that exalted the fallen president, mocking comparisons between Lincoln and Jesus.

Mark Twain’s Changing Values After the Civil War

During the Reconstruction of the South, Clemens gradually came to support racial equality, as he witnessed discrimination toward Chinese immigrants and interacted with freed Black Americans. As his fame grew, he expressed support for Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass. Twain characterized his young self as an arrogant fool. Huckleberry Finn offered a sympathetic, albeit aged, view of African Americans.

Twain used wit to help reunite himself and the nation. In the same 1901 speech honoring Lincoln, he related a joking plan to destroy Ulysses S. Grant’s army by forcing him all the way to the Pacific Ocean; this involved using a single regiment to surround the Federal forces until his company arrived to begin the campaign. The regimental colonel did not heed Clemen’s insubordinate orders, and due to this alone, the Union was victorious. Ultimately, Twain left the service due to the bad weather he experienced, for which he said the Union cause should be thankful.

He expressed a similar viewpoint in a toast to Union veterans in 1887, where he offered a condensed version of the Private History account. The killing of the stranger represented the total destruction of an enemy force of one. This imbalance led Twain to believe that continuing his military escapades would make the war easily won for the Confederacy. Mark “acted for the best when I took my shoulder out from under the Confederacy and let it come down.”

The Friendship Between Mark Twain & Ulysses S. Grant

After Grant’s presidency, the former general quickly fell into ill health, and investment failures destroyed his fortune. In 1884, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and decided to write his personal memoirs to support his family after his death. Twain visited Grant to offer publishing services for the memoirs. Grant accepted, and the two became close friends, working rapidly to finish the book before death came. Only three weeks after its completion, the former Union general passed away.

Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant attained remarkable success, with Grant’s seven percent stake in the venture generating the modern equivalent of twelve million dollars for his wife. Though primarily a business move, Twain incorporated his friendship with Grant into his Private History. The Marion Rangers disband in part because of their pursuit by a formidable yet unknown Union colonel, one Ulysses S. Grant. Twain’s humorous boasts of his military prowess are contrasted by the assertion that only the most capable commander forced him to retire. This success, along with other writings, cemented Twain’s later life as a supporter of the Union cause and a renowned American literary icon.

Mark Twain represented more for Samuel Clemens than a pen name. Literary critics characterize Twain as an alter ego that combined the maturity found later in life with the childlike wonder forged growing up on the Mississippi. As a young man, Clemens grew up in a culture where slavery was integral to daily life and saw his worldview threatened in the Civil War. Adjusting to a postwar America, Twain came to admire the tenets of national unity and equality. When addressing the war, he acknowledged current support of the Union cause yet never ceased to use his famous wit to hearken back to his former beliefs.

The Sociocultural Effects of the American Civil War

By Aaron Stoyack BA History, Museum Studies Minor Aaron is a historian, museum specialist, and writer. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from West Chester University with a BA in History. Aaron served on local commissions and presented at regional and national public history and education conferences. He enjoys researching and interpreting all aspects of history, from local to global scale.

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The Steamboat Pennsylvania

Sidewheeler Lenght 247 ft - Width 32 Ft - Draft 6.3 ft - 486 Tons

Hull Launched Shousetown PA finished in Pittsburgh.

This boat was operated by Mark Twain's brother. He was killed on this boat. Any ideas on who the Shouse family was or who finished this boat in PITTSBURGH?

*RE: Henry Clemens/Str. PENNSYLVANIA*

Hi, Dan, If ever there was a jinxed steamboat--and there were more than a few--the PENNSYLVANIA fit the bill with other problems, collisions before her deadly boiler explosion. Sam Clemens [AKA Mark Twain] had served aboard the PENNSYLVANIA earlier but left her due to heated disagreements with her one pilot William Brown. This mentioned in LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI. In so leaving Sam secured a berth for his brother Henry as 'Mud Clerk' in the Purser's Office. The explosion was horrific with Henry suffering severe steam scalds, seared lungs dying later. It shattered Sam deeply with blame he laid on himself. Mark always was subject to wide mood swings all his life and it showed in his later writings, monologues, speeches. The boat and explosion covered extensively in NEW YORK TIMES newspaper stories at the time along with other papers in river towns and cities. It was far from a romantic, loving age.

R. Dale Flick Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati.

Peter Shouse and Nicholas Roosevelt

I did a little more research on Shousetown PA which is about 13 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh and near Logstown where they signed the Logstown Treaty.

Peter Shouse built the Pennsylvinia Haul. It was said he was a friend of Nicholas Roosevelt and the frendship started when he helped build the New Orleans.

Some of these boats may have been finished in Mckeesport 13 miles the other way from downtown Pittsburgh. This is where Isaac Hammit is buried although he lived 13 more miles down the river in Elizabeth PA.

I know this is crazy, but I am looking at old photos of these riverboat builders and they all look like Mark Twain as if they are all cousins.

So there are several more Pittsburgh cemeterys I need to cover.

My interested is my family is buried in two places. They are 15 ft from Captian Isaac Hammit and 15 ft from Captain Daniel Pollard his brother-in-law.

They were riverboat builders that lost their business during the Civil War because they may have been connected to Jefferson Davis. Someone said the McIntyres built and owned the boat The Zachery Taylor.

Some of these Pittsburgh families may have been connected to CSA Col Meriwether Lewis Clark and his wife Abby Churchill. For sure Lucy Clark and her Croghan family is buried at Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh. The Croghans are married into the O'Haras who were business partners of Peter Shouse.

R. Dale Flick;28139 wrote: Hi, Dan, If ever there was a jinxed steamboat--and there were more than a few--the PENNSYLVANIA fit the bill with other problems, collisions before her deadly boiler explosion. Sam Clemens [AKA Mark Twain] had served aboard the PENNSYLVANIA earlier but left her due to heated disagreements with her one pilot William Brown. This mentioned in LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI. In so leaving Sam secured a berth for his brother Henry as 'Mud Clerk' in the Purser's Office. The explosion was horrific with Henry suffering severe steam scalds, seared lungs dying later. It shattered Sam deeply with blame he laid on himself. Mark always was subject to wide mood swings all his life and it showed in his later writings, monologues, speeches. The boat and explosion covered extensively in NEW YORK TIMES newspaper stories at the time along with other papers in river towns and cities. It was far from a romantic, loving age. R. Dale Flick Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati.

Most Interest....

Mr. McIntyre - Your comments and insights on this Mark Twain character (if there really was such a person) are some of most delightful remarks I have ever heard on the subject... and so refreshingly written. You've got some great stuff, here, and if you ever get all your research together and write a book.. I will buy the first copy. Keep Posting.

An Age Before Steam

Thanks for the kind words. I need to collect a little more info on riverboat life before a book. One example is an obituary of a riverboat captain born in Pittsburgh around 1770 and died in Pittsburgh in 1846. It states in an age before steam, he drifted his flatboat loaded with goods from Pittsburgh to New Orleans and WALKED back.

I need to know that 1000 miles route back and how long would it take?

Shipyard Sam;28190 wrote: Mr. McIntyre - Your comments and insights on this Mark Twain character (if there really was such a person) are some of most delightful remarks I have ever heard on the subject... and so refreshingly written. You've got some great stuff, here, and if you ever get all your research together and write a book.. I will buy the first copy. Keep Posting.

Peter Shouse was born 8 Oct 1788 in Reading , Becks, Penn died 1877 and buried Shousetown, Allegheny, Penn. He Married in 1810 Ellen Vandervort b. 1793/1798. The had six children. Eliza B. 1809 ? m. Ezra Porter b. 1792. He and his brother bought the Shouse boatyard along with Peter's half brother Samuel b. 1805 d. 1902 he married Emily Vandervort a sister of Peters' wife.

Margaret Shouse b. 1828 M. Capt Crawford Cadwallader b. 1811. He became the manager of Peter's store.

Frank Francis Shouse b. 4 Apr 1826 d. 4 Sep 1907 at the Penn. Soldier and Sailor home in Erie, Penn. He severed in the Civil war enlisted 23 Aug 1862 Co. B 155 Inf & Discharged with disability 9 Mar 1863. he Married Mary P. Richey b. 1837 m. abt 1865.

Matilda Shouse m. J. M. Harris

unknown female Shouse Married Joseph Karr

James Shouse Jr b. 1836/1837

Shouse boatyard:

Peter started this yard sometime between 1822 and 1830 and sold in 1857 to Ezra and Natan Porter and his Bro Samuel Shouse. Boat building ended between 1873-1877. The yard generally just built the Hulls. Peter started in the boat building working on the first New Orleans and then worked on other boats in Monongahela and Pittsburgh both before and after serving in Ohio during the War of 1812.

Some of the 100 plus hulls they built: The first boat was the Kentuckian, & others Buckeye State, Freeman Randen (used in New York City), Chamois went to Apalachicola, Florida, Red River, Algonquin, Mohican, and about the last hull was the Great Republic in 1873. There were not many steamboats being built in Pittsburgh in 1817/1818. I wonder if he had a part in the construction of the Western Engineer for Steven Long of the Corps of Engineers.

Boat Hulls by Peter Shouse

This is my understanding.

The Hulls were build in Shousetown then towed to downtown Pittsburgh where the steam engines would be installed by the Rees family. Then towed to McKeesport/Elizabeth to be custom finished by the Hammitt Pollard McIntyre Roosevelt Livingston Fulton Lewis and Clark families.

It's kind of like how GM made their cars.

So no one family did everything.

The most interesting boat is the Kate Adams which used Thomas Edison's DC electric system for the first time. It was made by Captain James Rees and Sons. There is a story that J&L Steel made the Hull for this one. James Rees installed the motors. Thomas Edison's employees installed the electric system. People in McKeesport did the finishing work.

I believe this is when Thomas Edison was introduced to the shoe making Warner Brothers. The Selznick Foundation at the George Eastman House in Rochester NY clearly states the Warner Brothers were making shoes next to the factory of Captain James Rees in Pittsburgh. It was only later in 1923 when Warner Brothers moved to Burbank California did they make movies with Thomas Edison's camera.

Carl Jones;28205 wrote: Shouse boatyard: Peter started this yard sometime between 1822 and 1830 and sold in 1857 to Ezra and Natan Porter and his Bro Samuel Shouse. Boat building ended between 1873-1877. The yard generally just built the Hulls. Peter started in the boat building working on the first New Orleans and then worked on other boats in Monongahela and Pittsburgh both before and after serving in Ohio during the War of 1812. Some of the 100 plus hulls they built: The first boat was the Kentuckian, & others Buckeye State, Freeman Randen (used in New York City), Chamois went to Apalachicola, Florida, Red River, Algonquin, Mohican, and about the last hull was the Great Republic in 1873. There were not many steamboats being built in Pittsburgh in 1817/1818. I wonder if he had a part in the construction of the Western Engineer for Steven Long of the Corps of Engineers.

He might have taken the Natchez Trace part of the way. Those old roads were well travelled and were infinitely more dangerous than the steamboats that eventually replaced them, as well as being slower and a lot harder on the anatomy, whether you were riding or walking. If one could make a trip like that unscathed, he was most fortunate. Such an adventure would take months.

Year In Year Out

By his obituary, he did this all the time year in and year out. I am thinking he has family along the way. That is from New Orleans to Pittsburgh. Or maybe the obituary is not true. No one ever did this, they just say they did.

His name was Captain Thomas Dunseith and he made the 1800 Elizabeth PA Census with a wife and several children. Several people into riverboats in Pittsburgh say he was related to the Dunsee/Dunshe family who was related to Captain Daniel Pollard.

He is buried about 20 ft from Isaac Hammitt in the Lewis and Clark Cemetery lot.

Now there is another group in this family and they were Catholic French shoemakers connected to Albert Gallatin at his farm at Frendship Hill just south of Pittsburgh.

I guess if your doing that kind of walking, good shoemaking family might be nice to know.

Lexie Palmore;28210 wrote: He might have taken the Natchez Trace part of the way. Those old roads were well travelled and were infinitely more dangerous than the steamboats that eventually replaced them, as well as being slower and a lot harder on the anatomy, whether you were riding or walking. If one could make a trip like that unscathed, he was most fortunate. Such an adventure would take months.

Somebody did it. Parts of the Natchez Trace and other traces I'm familiar with are about 8 feet lower than the surrounding ground. He could have traveled in a group, which would discourage bandits, and lend support if injured. A good pair of shoes or two would be pretty important.

Danial they did make that trip!! It is astonishing that you stated that " no one ever did this, they just say that they did. My Great-Great Grandfather, Joshua Armstrong Judd made 42 flatboat trips South in his lifetime. He was a resident of Moscow, Ohio and he ran the ferry service from Moscow, Oh to Ivor, Ky. He kept a sort of log or diary on some of those trips. His trips are discussed in Howes Historical Collections of Ohio.

He would build a rather large flatboat in partnership with two or three neighbors, fill it with produce over the summer and set off for New Orleans in late October, hoping for that usual fall rise to assist them.

After selling the produce and the flatboat he and his partners would set off for home. In his younger years,and not having much money they would walk home. After several trips he had accumulated some cash and he and his partners would buy horses and ride home.

In his older years and with the Steamboats now quite numerous he would pay passage on them for home.

His path homeward was the Natchez Trace to Nashville, then the south branch of the Wilderness Road to the Lexington area, it went on to Maysville, Ky. Your Pittsburgh person probably then went by Zanes Trace to meet the National Rd. to the Washington, Pa. area.

A funny thing happened to me on several of my working trips to New Orleans. After spending several days working in Nola and as I headed home I thought of the long drive ahead, then thinking of my Great-Great Grandfather I decided I had it pretty good and it seemed to shorten my drive.

*RE: Flatboats/Long walk home*

Hi, Steamboating colleagues: Bill Judd nailed it with great family history RE: flatboats south, long trek home on foot--or by steamboat usually traveling on 'the lower deck' working their way back. This more common than one would think with plenty of historical documentation. Seems even one or more of the very early Howard steamboating family also followed this path by water south.

There's a difference between a 'trace' and a 'trail.' 'Trace' came from early Native Americans, pioneers, or travelers then in general, following the 'traces' or paths that for untold eons had been beaten down by thousands of thundering buffalo hooves during their migrations or in search of salt/mineral 'licks.' 'Trail' was, usually, cut or carved out by earlier pioneer settlers as roads at times following earlier Native American paths. The migrating buffalo knew from natural instinct, later peoples followed as common sense. Well, what do I know?

The Walk with Good Shoes

I didn't mean that they didn't walk home. I just get a blank look from Historians on the workings of old riverboat/flatboats in Pittsburgh and how they might connect to Meriwether Lewis. The first thing for Historians is not to believe that they walked back all the way from New Orleans. Next thing not to believe is Meriwether Lewis had a family in Pittsburgh. That Meriwether Lewis lived alone in a small log cabin in Pittsburgh for 10 years before Thomas Jefferson decided to give him one of the most important jobs of the 1800's.

Now that log cabin story is not to be believed by me, along with the idea the names Sacajawea and John Baptiste were very common Native American names. I have a record that an actor Thomas Jefferson worked at the Richmond VA theater in the late 1700's. Another common name. Acting and being in charge are close cousins.

So the name is Judd?

Bill Judd;28224 wrote: Danial they did make that trip!! It is astonishing that you stated that " no one ever did this, they just say that they did. My Great-Great Grandfather, Joshua Armstrong Judd made 42 flatboat trips South in his lifetime. He was a resident of Moscow, Ohio and he ran the ferry service from Moscow, Oh to Ivor, Ky. He kept a sort of log or diary on some of those trips. His trips are discussed in Howes Historical Collections of Ohio. He would build a rather large flatboat in partnership with two or three neighbors, fill it with produce over the summer and set off for New Orleans in late October, hoping for that usual fall rise to assist them. After selling the produce and the flatboat he and his partners would set off for home. In his younger years,and not having much money they would walk home. After several trips he had accumulated some cash and he and his partners would buy horses and ride home. In his older years and with the Steamboats now quite numerous he would pay passage on them for home. His path homeward was the Natchez Trace to Nashville, then the south branch of the Wilderness Road to the Lexington area, it went on to Maysville, Ky. Your Pittsburgh person probably then went by Zanes Trace to meet the National Rd. to the Washington, Pa. area. A funny thing happened to me on several of my working trips to New Orleans. After spending several days working in Nola and as I headed home I thought of the long drive ahead, then thinking of my Great-Great Grandfather I decided I had it pretty good and it seemed to shorten my drive.

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