Levee Square

In the 1880’s the steamboat traffic on the Missouri River was a business of large proportions, and the men who plated the second addition to the town dedicated Levee Square for a river front, where the boats could do their loading and unloading. It was used for this purpose for many years, until the original purpose and ownership of the land had been forgotten, and became the property of private individuals.

The early steamboats that used the wharf include the Gen. Meade, Nellie Peck, Gen. Terry and The Gen. Thompson, and the S.S. Milwaukee which was Chamberlain’s first ferry boat. Chamberlain’s most famous ferry is the King’s "Last Chance."

The C. M. & St. P. Railway Co. ran a track along the river bank, the entire length of Levee Square. The railroad company was always ready to do its part in the moving of freight at this point, and did so to the best possible advantage by the construction of this track.

It has been a mystery, or a matter of speculation to some, as to where the steamboats use to land. While looking through old newspapers, the above information was found under the heading "Levee Square." There is no reference to this on current city maps, but it was spotted on a old city map and was located off River Street, between the blocks of Lawler and Beebe where Lake Shore Motel is now located.

Another mystery solved.