Nenana (steamer) facts for kids
Nenana, sternwheeler, in Pioneer Park, Fairbanks, 2011
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| History | |
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 United States |
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| Builder | Berg Shipbuilding Company |
| Launched | 1933 |
| Out of service | 1957 |
| Status | Museum ship since 1965 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 1,000 gross register tons (GRT) |
| Length | 237 ft (72 m) LOA |
| Beam | 42 ft (13 m) |
| Propulsion | Sternwheeler |
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Nenana
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S.S. Nenana in 1988
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 Location in Downtown Fairbanks
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Pioneer Park, Fairbanks, Alaska |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1933 |
| Architect | Seattle Shipbuilding Company |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001581 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | 27 June 1972 |
| Designated NHL | 5 May 1989 |
The SS Nenana is a large, historic boat that used a big paddlewheel at its back to move through the water. It was built in 1933 in Nenana, Alaska. This special boat was designed to carry both people and goods.
The Nenana was very long, about 237 feet, and had five decks. It could carry up to 48 passengers and a lot of cargo, including items needing cold storage. A crew of 32 people worked on the boat. The Nenana was strong enough to push several barges on the Yukon River, helping to transport supplies.
Contents
Life as a River Packet
The Nenana was built to be a "packet" boat. This meant it carried both passengers and freight. It was like a floating delivery service and hotel all in one!
Building the Nenana
The boat was designed by an architect named W.C. Nickum from Seattle. Its parts were made in Seattle, then shipped to Nenana, Alaska. There, the Berg Shipbuilding Company put all the pieces together.
Carrying Passengers and Freight
The Nenana had special rooms for 48 passengers on its saloon deck. On its main deck, it could hold up to 300 tons of freight. This included a cool storage area for two tons of items.
World War II and Beyond
During World War II, the Nenana became very important. It helped supply military bases in Alaska. It even transported supplies for fighter planes that were sent to the Soviet Union.
After the war, fewer people traveled by river. So, the Nenana stopped carrying passengers after 1949. It continued to haul freight for a few more years.
A New Chapter for the Nenana
In 1954, a new company called Yutana Barge Lines leased the Nenana. They used it to carry freight for one season. However, they found it wasn't making enough money, so they stopped using it.
Becoming a Museum Ship
In 1957, a group from Fairbanks bought the Nenana. They moved the boat up the Tanana River and Chena River to Fairbanks, Alaska. There, it was opened as a museum ship. For a short time, it even served as a hotel when there weren't enough rooms in the city!
Protecting a Piece of History
Over time, the Nenana started to get damaged by weather and people. To protect it, the boat was moved in 1965 to a special dry spot. This new home was at "Alaskaland", which is now known as Pioneer Park, Fairbanks.
The Nenana was recognized as a very important historical item. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Later, in 1989, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. This is because it's the only wooden sternwheel ship of its kind still left.
Today, the Nenana looks much like it did when it was working. You can visit it at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks and learn about its amazing history.
See also
