photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Julian Williams | all galleries >> Julian Williams's Galleries >> Old Jacksonville, Ga.- Where History Lives > The "ALTAMAHA" - Capt. - Joe Willcox & Engineer - Florence Breen
previous | next

The "ALTAMAHA" - Capt. - Joe Willcox & Engineer - Florence Breen

According to Dr. George Madray of Brunswick, his great uncle Florence Breen laid out every part of the Altamaha and with Capt. Joe Willcox of Jacksonville, Ga., built a steamboat which was to reign supreme for many years on the Ocmulgee and Altamaha and Savannah rivers. They were also co-owners of the steamboat. Dr. Madray said they built the boat in the Spring of 1892 at Beard's Bluff on the Altamaha River. Cap'n Joe, according to some sources, built his fine home in Jacksonville, Ga., in 1893. Those were busy fellows back in those days. They also had interests in other steamboats and business ventures. NOTE: Dr. Madray also said this would be the model steamboat for Steamboat City, a theme park going up near Brunswick in the near future. It will, of course, be named the "ALTAMAHA." [PHOTOGRAPH Courtesy of Dr. George Madray]


other sizes: small medium original auto
comment | share
Kathy Green 12-Mar-2022 06:22
I have recently purchased the Captain Joe Wilcox home in Jacksonville, GA. It is still very sturdy and has been loved. I'm in the process of giving it a face lift and hope to enjoy her for many years to come. If anyone has additional pic's of the home or information on Captain Wilcox, I would love to hear from you.
Lillian Benson 19-Jan-2015 03:36
I would love to purchase this image for a book I am completing on the Savannah River. This is the best photo of the Altamaha that I have seen.

Lillian Benson
waller Mary 19-Jul-2011 02:59
There is a model boat in the Augusta, Ga. Museum of History. i have always wondered if the steamboat still existed somewhere. I have my answer now. I am married to Sue Breen Waller's son,and she is the great grandaughter of Florence Breen, of Jesup, Ga.
Mark C Rowse 08-Sep-2006 03:54
Dear Sir, I came upon your site by accident while searching for information on my grandfather's riverboat. My name is Mark Rowse and my grandfather CapTain Macon Hoyt Rowse bought the Altamaha in I believe 1919. He operated her on the Savannah River between Savannah and Augusta until 1936 where she was run aground on some family property at Brier Creek off the Savannah River. There was talk of using her for a hunting camp, but he passed on in 1937. The Altamaha was sold for salvage to Thomas Sanders for $40 in 1943-44. He and 4 other fellows salvaged wood and iron off of her for about a year before the rest of the hull was burned. The Alatamaha was the last commercially operated river steamer on the Savannah and was app. 44 years old at the end of her service. This is absolutely the best picture I have seen of the Altamaha, if there is any way that I might be able to purchase a copy, I would be very grateful if you would let me know. Thank You, Mark C Rowse