“Life on the Ohio” River History Museum

Located at Mile 537.6 on the Ohio River, Switzerland County has long been recognized as one of the most important river communities of the 19th century. Our River History Museum showcases a rare and diverse collection of documents and artifacts depicting life and work along the river from the early flatboats & keelboats to the rise and fall of the Steamboat era. Map and boat murals, beautifully handcrafted boat models and a fine collection of steamboat photographs such as that of the steamer U.P. Schenck help illustrate this region’s place in river history and lore.

Displays titled Beginning the Adventure, Life on the River, Romance of the River, A Working River, Steamboat Disasters, Showboats A’Comin”, and Whistle for the Landing portray many facets of the Ohio River’s history and the role the river played in Switzerland County’s early economic development. An amazing collection of steamboat models by Switzerland County native Harold Patterson help bring the bygone river era to life.

Visit our Reading Room (pdf) to learn more about Harold Patterson and the relationship between the history of Switzerland County and the Ohio River.