Collection:LPB

Genre: Educational

Place Covered: Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, Batchelor, Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1996-10-14

Duration: 00:14:20

Subjects: Educational films | History | CULTURE | MISSISSIPPI RIVER | Boats and boating | Towboats | Tugboats | STEAMBOATS | Old River Control Structure

Contributors:

• Henderson, Britt Host
• Grantham, Bill Interviewee
• Isenhour, Clara Interviewee

This episode of the series “Gumbo Island” from October 14, 1996, features host Britt Henderson traveling around the state to learn more about the Mississippi River. She first visits Bill Grantham of Capital Fleet on the river in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He teaches Britt about the barges that travel down the river and the difference between a tugboat and a towboat. She also rides on a towboat. Next, Britt tours the American Queen, a steamboat in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Clara Isenhour. She meets the ship’s band, enjoys a performance of “Oh! Susanna,” and sees the ship’s chart room. Lastly, Britt visits the Old River Control Structure in Batchelor, Louisiana, where she learns how the Army Corps of Engineers tries to control the course of the river.