Special Collections & Area Research Center

Steamboat Collection Photographs

Our photographic collections total approximately 150,000 images. Of these, approximately 50,000 are of inland river steamboats and river scenes, making this one of the nation's largest collections for this subject. Riverboat photos are filed by boat name, with a corresponding paper file of basic information for each boat. We currently track approximately 20,000 inland river steamboats. Among river scene images are bridges, locks and dams, river towns, levees, boatyards, boat crews and construction, fishing, clamming, swimming and other river activities. Best represented are the Ohio and Mississippi River systems.

Copy prints of most of these black-and-white photographs may be purchased in standard sizes, subject to any donor or copyright restrictions. Prices start at $6 for personal use, and exhibit, publication, or commercial use is permitted for most images at a higher cost. Buyers must sign a licensing agreement which stipulates use and limitations. Any display, exhibit, publication or commercial use must be accompanied by a credit identifying Murphy Library at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse as the source. The buyer's use is limited to that which is stipulated in the statement, and no further duplication or use is permitted.

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J. Mack Gamble Fund, Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen

The Steamboat Collection at Murphy Library would not have been possible without the generous assistance of the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.  For over thirty years the Sons & Daughters provided financial support to Murphy Library through the J. Mack Gamble Fund  to collect steamboat images across the nation.   The Fund also covers the expenses involved in making the copy negatives and prints that make up the bulk of the Steamboat Collection Photographs.  Murphy Library extends their sincere gratitude to the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen for their continued support. 

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Great Lakes Maritime History Project
Taylor Brothers Photographs
Exploring the History of the Mississippi River by the Wisconsin Historical Society
Steamboat Stamps

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