Last updated: 8/24/2015
415 Blondeau
Keokuk, IA 52632
P. O. Box 400
Keokuk, IA 52632
Built in 1927 at Dubuque, Iowa by the U. S. Government, the S.S. Thorpe inaugurated barge service on the upper Mississippi . The first of four steamboats built for the revival of river transportation, it was the first to move barges from St. Louis north to St. Paul. It remained in service there until 1940, when it was sold to Armco Steel Corp. and put in service on the Ohio River. Armco renamed it the George M. Verity after their founder.
In 1960 the Verity was retired after 33 years of service on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, and on 1961, the boat was given to the City of Keokuk for use as a river museum. Now berthed in Victory Park, it houses a museum of Upper Mississippi River history.
Visit the George M. Verity in Keokuk, Iowa and discover the charm of Mark Twain's Mississippi. This historic sternwheel steamboat provides a fascinating insight into river history for young and old alike. A visit takes you back to the era of the river steamboats before the modern day diesels came into being.
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is
provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as
to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc.
and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such
use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.