Name/Title
Pocahontas (1893)Entry/Object ID
2017.2.020Description
Year Built: 1893
Built By: Harlan and Hollingsworth Company
Built At: Wilmington, DE
Built For: Virginia Navigation Company
Official Number: 150628
Length: 195.0 feet
Beam: 33.0 feet
Depth of Hold: 11.0 feet
Gross Tons: 814 gross, 541 net
Propulsion: Sidewheel
Hull: Steel
Engine: 750 hp
Purchased by: In 1906 by the Old Dominion Steamship Company. In 1921 by the Keansburg Steamboat Company.
Route: Made its debut on the James River on July 1, 1893 and ran from Norfolk to Richmond for the next 28 years. After purchase by the Keansburg Steamboat Company she ran between Keansburg and lower Manhattan.
Comments: Had a top speed of 20 mph. Was known as the Queen of the River and nicknamed Poky-hontas or Poky. A palace steamer with a 34 by 34 foot social hall and a 29 by 11 foot lunchroom. Luxurious with plush carpeting, comfortable furnishings and an electric orchestra on its promenade deck. One-way fare was $1.50 and 50 cents for meals. Caught fire on April 30, 1904 in Richmond. The Richmond Fire Department responded and enough water was pumped onboard to sink her. When she was refloated the boat was still sufficiently sound to be rebuilt.
Disposition: Abandoned 1941.
