Early River History
From the 1830s on, log rafts were a common site on the river. The earliest sawmills were supplied by floating smaller rafts right up to the mill. These rafts later became larger, generally in two sections 75 feet wide and 700 feet long with an average value of about $20,000. At first, rafts were pushed from the rear but eventually grew so large that a bow boat up front was necessary. After the completion of the railroad bridge, rafts often had to be split and lengthened to get between the peers. The raftmen sometimes tied up in front of Savanna to do this. By the early 1920s, the railroads began to surpass the river as a freight carrier and few rafts were seen after that time.
By the time the first settlers arrived, steamboats were a common sight on the Mississippi River and not only did the early pioneers use the unlimited supply of trees to build their homes and the settlement, they also sold wood and catered to the steamboat traffic.
The early settlers took advantage of the river traffic as a steamboat landing was built, Aaron Pierce constructed a the Frontier House (Savanna’s first hotel) and Vance Davison built a store and warehouse near the steamboat landing and sold hard wood for $3.50 a cord. Some of the boats he sold to included Lucie May, Alhambra, Metropolis, Vixen, Ben Bolt, Greek Slave, Henry Clay, Clipper, and the Skipper.
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By 1838 steamboats began to carry the mail, replacing the stage and horseback for towns along the river.
Most of the steamboats has similar layouts and design. Deck passengers paid the lowest fares and carried some of the wood aboard as part of their cost-of-passage. They also brought their own food and slept on the deck at the rear of the boat.​ The second deck was inhabited by the cabin passengers who had their own sleeping quarters, dining room, men's room, and ladies' parlor. The parlor was located at the rear of boat. The hurricane or top deck belonged to the pilot and ship's officers.
Iona Pearl
Shown here in 1926, the “Iona Pearl”, owned by George Whitney, was a vital link between Savanna and Sabula. During the week, it made six daily trips, and eight on Sundays, transporting both people and goods.
Over the years, Whitney operated several ferries, including the “Leola”. The Iona Pearl began by carrying horses and passengers and later added cars, with a capacity of 20 cars and 200 passengers. The ferry originally landed at the foot of Jefferson Street, connecting communities across the Mississippi River.
Savanna’s Legendary Riverboat Captains
Savanna was home to some of the Mississippi River’s most notable riverboat captains.
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John B. Rhodes arrived in 1841, working first as a store clerk before entering steamboating in 1852. He captained the Dubuque for the Northern Line Packet Company, gaining notoriety during a tragic 1869 race riot aboard the vessel. Beyond riverboating, Rhodes served as Carroll County Sheriff and tax collector, married Mary Jane Piece, and built the historic “Steamboat House” on North Main Street. After retiring, he ran a grocery with his son and passed away in 1906 at age 89.
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Stoughton Cooley, a descendant of Pilgrim John Alden, settled in Savanna in 1851. He captained boats along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, built the 333-ton Tensas, and employed his sons in key roles. Cooley’s home on Fourth Street featured a cupola with a commanding view of river traffic.
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W. L. Jenks arrived in 1837 and became the first landlord of the Mississippi House tavern. He served as county treasurer and postmaster before captaining boats such as the Muscatine for the Northern Line Packet Company. Jenks also became a major landowner in Savanna Township, remaining an influential figure until his death.
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These captains helped shape Savanna’s river heritage, connecting the town to commerce, adventure, and the wider Mississippi River world.
