MIGHTY RIVER
Although it remains an unpredictable force of nature, the Ohio River was far more volatile a century ago. Thirty-foot floods could wash away everything along the river's edge, only to be followed by dry spells that would lower the water level to mere inches. In the winter, giant ice gorges could jam the river, destroying boats and bridge foundations.
Since 1929, locks and dams have controlled the waters on the Ohio River. These systems were replaced by the current system of "high lift" dams following World War II. Water levels are maintained at a 9-foot depth, allowing towboats and barges to navigate the river.
The Flood of 1913
"As the waters receded, the destruction was staggering. The buildings in the heart of the town were either burned, swept away or denuded of contents." - Sara Leake Wilson, describing Marietta following the Flood of 1913
Ranking among Ohio's greatest natural disasters, the Flood of 1913 devastated the entire state. Along the headwaters of the Muskingum, heavy rains caused the waters to swell. Every bridge along the river was destroyed. Across the state, more than 400 people died.
In response to this disaster, Congress made federal dollars available for the construction of reservoirs, dams, and other improvements.
LEARNING THE RIVER
"Your true pilot cares nothing about anything on earth but the river, and his pride in his occupation surpasses the pride of kings." - Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi
The pride felt by riverboat pilots in Mark Twain's day was well-deserved. Most pilots had worked for years as deckhands and in other crew positions, learning a boat's operation first hand. They then trained as apprentices for at least 36 months. Only after spending hours steering and learning the river did these apprentices take the pilot's test.
Today's riverboat pilots undergo a similar process. Deckhands working their way up to the pilothouse must first gain a year or more of experience to earn a steersman license. To earn a pilot's license, a steersman must work under the supervision of a pilot and demonstrate skill in operating a towboat along a specific route. After a year and a half of service, a licensed pilot is eligible to earn a master's license and become a captain.
River Hazards
Despite the training that pilots underwent, accidents were not uncommon on steamboats. Timber hidden beneath the water's surface caused snags, the most common river hazard. Snags could sink a boat by ripping through its hull.
Storms were a common concern, occasionally blowing boats ashore. Pilothouses and pilots were even blown overboard by severe winds.
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