The W. P. Snyder Jr.
The W.P. Snyder Jr. is a steam-powered towboat. It moved barges loaded with coal, iron ore, and steel along the Monongahela and Ohio rivers.
When it was launched in 1918, the boat was originally owned by Carnegie Steel and operated as the W.H. Clingerman. In 1945, the Crucible Steel Company purchased it and renamed it for their company chairman, W.P. Snyder Jr.
In many ways, the Snyder represents a bygone era on the Ohio River. It is one of the last steam-driven sternwheelers in existence. It is the only remaining “pool type” boat, meant to navigate the lock systems that line the Ohio and Monongahela Rivers.
Retirement
The Snyder retired from service in 1954. Many similar boats were scrapped following their service, but the Snyder was donated as an example of a steam towboat and relocated here in 1955.
Marker can be reached from Front Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
