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They Called Us River Rats: A Labor of Love and a Way of Life

Jim Cox

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Published in They Called Us River Rats: The Last Batture Settlement Of New Orleans

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They Called Us River Rats: The Last Batture Settlement of New Orleans

by Macon Fry

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12827 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages

They Called Us River Rats is a labor of love and a way of life. The book, written by Robert L. Johns, is a comprehensive account of the lives and work of the men and women who worked on the Mississippi River during the golden age of steamboating. Johns, himself a river rat, spent years interviewing steamboat workers and collecting their stories. The result is a rich and detailed portrait of a fascinating and often overlooked chapter of American history.

The Characters of They Called Us River Rats

The characters in They Called Us River Rats are as diverse as the river itself. There are grizzled old veterans who have spent their lives on the river, and there are young men just starting out. There are men and women, black and white, native-born and foreign-born. But they all share a common bond: their love of the river and their pride in their work.

One of the most memorable characters in the book is Captain Natchez, a legendary steamboat captain known for his skill and his temper. Captain Natchez is a hard man, but he is also fair and respected by his crew. He is a symbol of the old days of steamboating, when captains were kings and the river was a wild and dangerous place.

Another unforgettable character is Mary Campbell, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to work on the river. Mary is a strong and independent woman, and she is determined to prove that she can do anything a man can do. She is a pioneer for women in the workplace, and her story is an inspiration to all who read it.

The Themes of They Called Us River Rats

They Called Us River Rats is a story about work, love, and the American dream. The men and women who worked on the Mississippi River were hard-working and determined. They were proud of their work, and they were willing to sacrifice everything to make a living. They were also fiercely independent, and they valued their freedom above all else.

The book also explores the theme of love. The river rats were a close-knit community, and they relied on each other for support. They shared their joys and sorrows, and they helped each other through good times and bad. The river was their home, and the river rats were their family.

Finally, They Called Us River Rats is a story about the American dream. The men and women who worked on the Mississippi River came from all walks of life. They were farmers, laborers, and immigrants. But they all shared a common goal: to make a better life for themselves and their families. The river was their opportunity, and they seized it with both hands.

The Historical Context of They Called Us River Rats

They Called Us River Rats is set during the golden age of steamboating, a period of rapid growth and expansion in the United States. The steamboat was a revolutionary new technology, and it transformed the way that goods and people were transported. The Mississippi River was the main artery of commerce in the Midwest, and the river rats played a vital role in the development of the region.

The golden age of steamboating came to an end with the outbreak of the Civil War. The war devastated the river trade, and many steamboats were destroyed or converted to military use. After the war, the railroads replaced the steamboats as the primary means of transportation. The river rats were forced to find new work, and the old days of steamboating were gone forever.

The Legacy of They Called Us River Rats

They Called Us River Rats is a valuable historical document. It provides a unique glimpse into the lives and work of the men and women who worked on the Mississippi River during the golden age of steamboating. The book is also a testament to the power of the human spirit. The river rats were hard-working, determined, and independent. They were pioneers in their own way, and their story is an inspiration to all who dream of a better life.

They Called Us River Rats is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, labor history, or the history of the Midwest. It is a fascinating and inspiring story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

They Called Us River Rats: The Last Batture Settlement of New Orleans

by Macon Fry

4.7 out of 5