Late Season Work for the Ed Renshaw Up Bound Near Port Byron, Illinois

This afternoon the thick overcast sky of mid-autumn signals the approach of snow. Tugs like the Ed Renshaw seen here about 4 pm today up bound on the upper Mississippi River pushing an empty barge will most likely continue to work until river traffic is halted for the season - perhaps in early January. The Illinois town of Port Byron is seen in the background.



Directly across from Port Byron is Le Claire, Iowa. The small town (located at 41.59N, 90.35W) was the home to river pilots back in the day and is the birthplace of William F. Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill Cody. There are museums to both interests located in Le Claire.

The steamboat City of Baton Rouge, built in 1916 is now anchored in Le Claire (just right of the double stack boat (Twilight) above.) Boat traffic defines the history of this portion of 42N country on one of the greatest rivers in the world. Know that.