History
The Delta Queen and its twin, the Delta King, were constructed between 1925 and 1927 in San Francisco by the California Transportation Co., according to its website. At a cost of $1 million, the Delta Queen featured Tiffany stained-glass windows and crystal chandeliers. It was launched on June 2, 1927 to travel between San Francisco and Sacramento, a course it would travel for the next 13 years. It made its final California voyage on September 29, 1940.
World War II
During World War II, the Delta Queen was used to transport and house troops, according to its website. It also met ships transporting wounded soldiers from Pearl Harbor and transferred them to a Navy hospital on Mare Island. The Navy decommissioned the Delta Queen on August 20, 1946, after which it was put up for auction.
Post World War II
In 1946, Tom Greene, captain and owner of Greene Line Steamers in Cincinnati, Ohio, bought the boat for $46,000. It was then renovated at a cost of $750,000. It made its maiden voyage on the Ohio River on June 30, 1948, according to its website.
For the next 60 years, it would offer luxury cruises along the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers at a top speed of 10 miles an hour.
Permanent Home
In 1966, the Safety at Sea law was passed by the U.S. Congress that forbid any wooded vessel from carrying more than 50 overnight passengers because of fire concerns. Although it was granted nine exemptions over 42 years, it was forced to dock on Oct. 31, 2008, when its exemption was not renewed, according to its website.
In February 2009, it was moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it became a hotel owned by Sydney Sloane and Maura and Harry Phillips.
Accommodations
The Delta Queen boasts 87 rooms and can accommodate 174 passengers, according to its website. The riverboat features live music in the Texas Lounge, dinner and dancing. Guided tours are also available.
Contact Information
Delta Queen Hotel
100 River Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
(423) 468-4500
http://www.deltaqueenhotel.com/
