Two Hundred Five Years Ago The Steamboat “Independence” Reaches Frankin, Missouri
Two hundred and five years ago, the “Independence” was the first steamboat to ascend the Missouri River, arriving at Franklin, Missouri on May 28, 1819.[1]
Floyd C. Shoemaker, Secretary of the State Historical Society of Missouri, began writing historical columns, This Week in Missouri History,” Shoemaker’s columns began appearing in newspapers throughout the state in January, 1926, and continued through December, 1950. THE May 27, 1926 issue of the WINDSOR REVIEW published his column about the first trip of steamboat “Independence“up the Missouri River to Franklin.[1]
Shoemaker quoted the news published in the Franklin newspaper, THE MISSOURI INTELLIGENCER, “...we announce the arrival, this morning, of this place of the elegant STEAM BOAT ‘Independence,’Captain Nelson, in seven sailing days…from St. Louis, with passengers, and a cargo of flour, whiskey, sugar, iron, castings, etc. being the FIRST steamboat that has ever attempted ascending the Missouri. She was joyfully met by the inhabitants of Franklin, and saluted by the firing cannon, which was returned by the Independence.”[2]
The MISSOURI INTELLIGENCER predicted, “Missourians may hail this era, from which to date the growing importance of this section of the country, when they view with what facility, (by the aid of steam) boats may ascend the turbulent waaters of the Missouri to bring to this country the articles requisite to its supply and return laden with the various products of this fertile region.”[21
The “Independence” departed from Franklin on June 3, reaching St. Louis three days later. Following the successful trip of the “Independence,” the “Expedition” and the “Johnson” were headed for the Yellow Stone on July 2, 1819. Eleven days later, Major Stephen H. Long commanded the “Western Engineer,” which was the first steam boat to go beyond Franklin, reaching Council Bluffs.[1]
Shoemaker pointed out that “from this time there was an ever increasing number of boats plying between Franklin and St. Louis… Gradually the shipping lines were extended to Gasgow, Lexington, Westport Landing, Weston, and St. Joseph and steamboat navigation finally reached the forts and posts on the upper Missouri.”[1]
The first river traffic helped in the growth and settlement of the Western Frontier. The river became a “mighty highway” used by settlers, many of whom were immigrants. The river trade grew rapidly between 1850 to 1860; however, trains had begun in Missouri in the early 1850s. After the Civil War, railroads began to replace boats for transportation.
Last week, this column reported Part I of Harry P. “Punk” Barber’s interview giving his account of his Prisoner of War experience during World War II. Part II will be continued next week with information about Punk’s plane being shot down, his captivity, the 600-mile “Death March,” and his liberation.
Sources: [1] WINDSOR REVIEW, May 27, 1926. [2] MISSOURI INTELLIGENCER, May 28, 1819.
