American history has had many pivotal moments, but one
event was undoubtedly the most instrumental in shaping the great nation
that is the United States of America. That event was of course the Civil
War, the outcome of which solidified American’s dedication to
ensuring freedom and equality for all. There is no end to the
fascinating, heart-breaking and inspiring stories that came out of the
war between the North and the South. The Mississippi River and its
tributaries are the ledgers that have held those accounts for
generations.
 This August, the American Queen
will host some of the world’s foremost experts on the Civil War to
share with guests intricate details of the Civil War. The characters
will come to life before your very eyes with actor portrayals of figures
such as Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee and President Abraham Lincoln.
You will swear you could smell the black powder from musket fire as you
stare through the morning mist across the battlefields like Vicksburg.
Learn about the river towns that were changed forever by the ravages of
war. The unique perspective of exploring Civil War history from a
genuine paddle-wheel steamboat displays the importance of the river as
means of transportation for Confederate and Union forces alike.
 Large
battles were fought in cities like New Orleans, Chattanooga and
Louisville and each bears the scars in the family trees of its
residents. In 1863, more than 19,000 were killed and wounded at
Vicksburg, for example. Once you experience these places, you come to
appreciate the Civil War was far more than just a cavalcade of generals
and names of battlefields. It is standing in the places themselves that
transports you back 150 years to a dark time in American history. And
that journey will, undoubtedly, change you forever. That’s the primary
mission of the Great American Steamboat Company and the key element that
makes an American river cruise a truly unique vacation experience: we
won’t just take you places, we’ll take you through time. |
