First Squad, America's Last Jolly Flatboatmen
Patience (2016)
Flatboat Patience was commissioned for use by a writer wanting to tell the story of flatboats. It was used with a motor to travel from Elizabeth, PA to New Orleans, LA. It was refitted for non-motorized use and used for a journey from Beardstown, IL to Memphis, TN in the Summer of 2019. It now resides on Piasa Creek, Illinois
Cpt. Scott Mandrell
The purpose of this group is to preserve the knowledge, traditions, craftsmanship and skills of the original flatboat men of America's interior waterways. Please, contact us to learn more and find out how you can get involved.
Angela's Ark (2004)
Originally built to tell the tale of a group of nuns who traveled the Ohio River in the 19th Century, this vessel was crewed by members of First Squad to become the last non-motorized, 8-ton flatboat to make the journey from the Illinois River to Memphis, TN (2009). On display at Mud Island River Museum since arriving there, until present.
Photo Gallery
