Homestead (Towboat, 1945-1960)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sternwheel
• BOAT TYPE: Towboat
• BUILT: 1922, as the A.O. Ackard in Ambridge, Pennsylvania
• FORMERLY: A.O. Ackard
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Dismantled, 1960
• OWNERS: Carnegie Steel Company
• RIVERS: Allegheny River; Monongahela River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - T1123; She was renamed the Homestead in mid-September, 1945. This boat cause an uproar in 1949 when she was raced with the Wm. Larimer Jones at Pittsburgh and was adjudged the winner "by inches". Repeat performances were held in 1950, 1951 and the 1952 event was canceled because of a steel strike. In 1960 there was a move to preserve her as a local Pittsburgh tourist attraction, but there was a lack of financing and a suitable sponsor, so she was dismantled