Sunday 9/24/2023 – The Circle Continues

Today was our noontime sailing on the General Jackson Showboat. It's a combination of an excellent meal, entertainment and history. We grabbed a buffet lunch while we were “rollin’ on the river.” There were stunning views, and toe-tapping entertainment in the  two-story Victorian Theater and a delicious meal in the dining room.

One of the largest showboats ever built, the General Jackson is a showpiece of American ingenuity. With its elegant touches and stately design, the boat is reminiscent of the luxury of the American Victorian era. Showboats have long been a colorful part of our nation’s history, and this most unique Nashville attraction epitomizes the grace and grandeur of the South.

The General Jackson Showboat is named after the first steamboat to operate on the Cumberland River in 1817. It was built by the largest inland shipbuilder in the US, Jeffboat, located in Indiana. The General Jackson was launched on the Ohio River in Indiana to start the journey to its new home on Nashville’s Cumberland River on April 20, 1985. On July 2, 1985, it was christened by Mrs. Thelma Gaylord.

The Cumberland River has 381 navigable miles. The General Jackson dock is at mile 198. The average depth is 15-25 feet. A round trip to downtown Nashville and back is 14 miles. The head waters are in Harlin County, Kentucky, and the mouth is at Smithland, Kentucky, where it joins the Ohio River.

The entertainment was a tribute to all the music that comes out of Tennessee. Tennessee Legends, is the name of the production. A couple of the musicians and singers were the same as last year, but there were a few new ones. The talent level was very high, it was a great show!

We could see Nissan Stadium and the downtown skyline.

We toured the Cumberland until we reached downtown Nashville. 

 

I love the unique artwork along the river. This piece is called Ghost Ballet. I called it the roller coaster art. It is one of the most photographed and recognizable works of public art in Nashville. A caravanner said it was made from leftover pieces of the Opryland roller coaster. Not true!

Our caravanners had a great time! Some even became part of the show!

They certainly seemed to enjoy themselves!

We enjoyed a quiet evening of visiting with caravanners. Tony and Charlie spent some time working on Tony's tow vehicle base plate.