Unbelievable photographic reproduction from a glass negative of the Sternweel packet/rafter/towboat Mountain Belle.

This craft was built in Brownsville, Pennsylvania circa 1869 and saw service in and around La Crosse Wisconsin and Hastings Minnesota on the Mississippi as well near Huntington Virginia on the Ohio River.

She had a very rich history plying the waters and changed hands several times, burning once and also sinking in 1882 before being purchased by A. C. Anthony and rechristening The Purchase, then being used as an excursion barge between St. Paul and the World’s Fair in St. Louis. We don’t know when she was retired, though records indicate that took place in 1904.

This image is absolutely ghostly, and taken when the craft was in dry dock someplace. A positively inspired and chilling view. Mountain Belle is fairly clear towards the stern.

Please see our photos for more details.

Posted well protected via USPS Priority Mail.