Probably the most famous sidewheeler on the Hudson River. Nicknamed, "Queen of the Hudson" for her speed and grand style, the sidewheeler MARY POWELL traveled up and down the Hudson River from 1861 to 1920.
This rub rail was originally curved to follow the curve of the vessel but in time it has flattened out. If you were to examine it closely you would see evidence of the old curvature. A back plate has been added to the piece as a support.
The figurehead from the MARY POWELL is in the collection of the Smithsonian Museum of American History, attesting to the ship's reputation and historical importance.
