Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
FLATBOATS
Revision as of 19:12, 20 July 2008 by Randylyon (talk | contribs) (New page: FLATBOATS. Large raft-like barges used widely on the MISSISSIPPI RIVER to float freight and passengers downstream in the early 1800s. Frequently used to float produce or LEAD from ...)
FLATBOATS. Large raft-like barges used widely on the MISSISSIPPI RIVER to float freight and passengers downstream in the early 1800s. Frequently used to float produce or LEAD from the mines around Dubuque, the flatboats benefited from flat bottoms which allowed them to pass downstream during periods of low water. When the freight reached its destination, the boats were broken up and sold for their lumber.