Last updated: January 29, 2021
Place
Spencer Steamboat
NPS/ Stephanie Metzler
Quick Facts
Location:
Lees Ferry, AZ
Significance:
Historic River Trail
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Steamboat Charles H. Spencer built for transporting coal from Warm Creek Canyon
Launched 1912
Hauled in pieces from San Francisco and constructed at Warm Creek mine. Unaware of the difficulties in navigating the Colorado River, Spencer’s investors thought a boat would serve better than a mule train for carrying coal. The boat proved too unwieldy, plus it burned all the coal it could haul. It was abandoned ashore after only a few runs. Image caption: Designed for the placid Sacramento River, it was no match for the Colorado.
Launched 1912
Hauled in pieces from San Francisco and constructed at Warm Creek mine. Unaware of the difficulties in navigating the Colorado River, Spencer’s investors thought a boat would serve better than a mule train for carrying coal. The boat proved too unwieldy, plus it burned all the coal it could haul. It was abandoned ashore after only a few runs. Image caption: Designed for the placid Sacramento River, it was no match for the Colorado.