Julia Belle Swain
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The Julie Belle Swain is a steam-powered sternwheeler currently operating out of La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA.
Designed and built in 1971 by Capt. Dennis Trone, the Julia Belle is considered one of the most beautiful remaining steamboats. She was the last boat built by Dubuque Boat & Boiler Works of Dubuque, IA. Her steam engines were originally built in 1915 by the Gillett and Eaton Company, originally installed on the central wheel ferryboat City of Baton Rouge. The engines have logged well over a million miles.
The Julia Belle was formerly based in Peoria, IL, making short excursions on Peoria Lake and two-day round trip cruises to Starved Rock, IL. The late Singer/songwriter John Hartford ("Gentle on My Mind.") was a frequent guest pilot and often mentions the Julia Belle in his songs. Later, she ran on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, TN.
The Julia Belle, smaller and nimbler than some of her sisters on America's rivers, has entered the Great Steamboat Race twice, in 1975 and 1976. She won both times, beating better-known vessels such as the Delta Queen, the Natchez, and the Belle of Louisville.
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