The Delta Queen

2008-04-07 17:26:35

( Travel )



History of the Delta Queen Riverboat

The Delta Queen was assembled during the 1920s along with its partner, the Delta King. Its various parts originated from other countries and were shipped in pieces to the US for assembly.

It was first used as an excursion boat ferrying passengers between two large cities in the Bay Area, before it was sold to another company. Then, the Delta Queen riverboat was used passenger services through major cities in the Midwest and old South.

The Delta Queen achieved fame by entering and winning in annual steamboat races against other well-known vessels.

In 1970, the Delta Queen was given the distinction as a national historic landmark, and was listed on the national registry for historic places.

Currently, the Delta Queen cruises the Mississippi, with regular schedules to several major Midwest cities.

The Delta Queen Under Threat

Unfortunately, the company that operates Delta Queen cruises has announced that the steamboat will cease its operations towards the end of the year. This was due to a congressional move declaring that the Delta Queen's wooden structure is a fire hazard. Previously, the Delta Queen has enjoyed an exemption on the ruling prohibiting operation of steamboats with wooden structures but recently the exemption was nullified.

Efforts to Save the Delta Queen

Public reaction has been quick to the exemption issue, and there are several sites that have announced Delta Queen's predicament, and invoking citizens to assist in lobbying for the boat's continued operations and for financial support. These sites give details of the issues for and against the operation of the Delta Queen, as well as the legislative background of the exemption.

The sites that are in favor of continuing the boat's operations have denounced the declaration of the Delta Queen as a fire hazard and unsafe vessel. They insist that she is actually very safe to ride in, as long as fire safety standards and procedures are maintained during cruises.

The sites are soliciting comments from citizens that express support for the continued operation of the Delta Queen. You can contribute your own blog or comment directly to these sites.


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