The American Queen – the world’s largest riverboat and last authentic paddlewheel steamboat – docked on Marietta’s shore early Monday morning, with visitors exploring downtown and beyond for the day.

One of the boat’s traveler’s, Marsha York, of Fort Myers, Florida, said the American Queen helps keep history alive.

“The ship is a beautiful reminder of what our history used to be and what life on the Ohio, Tennessee, and Mississippi rivers was like, as they were used as main thoroughfares to develop our country,” shares York. “The little towns we stop and see have hundreds of years of history, so you get a taste of their flavor, and the shops and everyone has been just as friendly as they could be.”

BeeBee Williams, the American Queen’s Steamboat Ambassador, was excited to see Marietta again. “We love Marietta and are happy to be back sailing on the river – the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen have sailed to Marietta before, the towns folks are always eager to see us and we’re eager to be here.”

The Marietta Convention & Visitor Bureau’s Casey Knowlton said the Queen’s visit is a great opportunity for the City.

“Not only does it bring people to our community, but it also gives the community the chance to go out and see something they don’t get to see every day,” says Knowlton.

The American Queen departed from Marietta July 16th, in the midst of her seven-night cruise from Louisville to Pittsburgh, but will return once more next Sunday, July 29th.