Belle of Louisville
Louisville, KY
- RESTORED WITH HELP FROM
LOCAL HAMPTON HOTELS
The Belle is recognized as the oldest continuously operated Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world. Built in 1914, the Belle , originally named the Idlewild , spent her early years as a ferry between Memphis , TN and West Memphis , AR. She was made to haul cargo, but this versatile vessel could also handle excursions and traveled from state to state through the Mississippi River systems. The boat was sold in 1947, and the owner changed her name from the Idlewild to the Avalon , which remained for the next 13 years. In 1962, the city of Louisville bought the vessel and did major repairs to its worn exterior and donned it with the name Belle of Louisville . Today, the Belle spends her days taking passengers along the Ohio River . This historic steamboat was made a National Historic Landmark in 1989 and is on the National Register for Historic Places. On October 8, 2009, volunteers will complete a variety of projects in order to preserve the steamboats’ historical significance. These projects include such tasks as painting, polishing, cleaning, and replacing fixtures. Additionally, Hampton Hotels will present the Belle of Louisville with a $10,000 check for future refurbishment efforts.