Collection of 16 stereoviews in various colors featuring albumen and silver gelatin prints documenting American maritime transport, inland steamboats, dry docks, and riverfront commerce. Imprints include prominent publishers and regional view makers such as B.W. Kilburn, Keystone View Company, Underwood & Underwood, R. Goebel of St. Charles, MO, Boehl & Koenig of St. Louis, and regional New Orleans series. Ca. 1870s to early 1900s. Each approx. 3 1/2 x 7 in. to 4 x 7 in.

An impressive visual survey tracing the golden age of American steam navigation, coastal trade, and naval architecture along the Mississippi River, Gulf Coast, and Eastern seaboard. Subjects include classic side-wheel and stern-wheel paddle steamers, steamer interiors and grand saloon, dry docks and shipyards bustling with construction, and coastal wharves teeming with oceanliners and other 19th-century watercraft.

Two views feature detailed descriptions on verso inked by steamboat passengers. A stereoview by R Goebel, of St. Charles, Missouri, shows a steamboat packed to capacity on both upper levels. Manuscript notation on verso reads: "4th of July Excursion to St. Louis, to see the opening of the St. Louis Bridge, and Fireworks. Boat left St. Charles at one o'clock P.M. July 4th 1874 and got back at 9 o'clock A.M. July 5th 1874. Was one of the Excursionists. [Signed] B.F. Becker." Another view of a steamboat interior by W.H. Ellingworth bears the manuscript notation on verso: "This is a correct view of the interior of the side wheel steamboats on the Mississippi beyond where you see the curtain is the Ladies Cabin and [it] is always much nicer furnished than the gentlemans [sic]."

A comprehensive lot for the collector interested in maritime activity in 1800s America. 

[Maritime History, Steamships, Paddle Steamers, Mississippi River, New Orleans Levee, Riverboats, Sternwheelers, Shipyards, Dry Dock, Naval Architecture, B.W. Kilburn, Keystone View Company, Boehl & Koenig, Stereoviews, 19th Century Photography]

Very good condition. The prints exhibit strong tonality and clear definition throughout. Mounts are structurally sound with light, expected edge wear, occasional corner bumping, and minor surface soiling consistent with age.