The Lone Star is arguably, the most valuable historic artifact in the State of Iowa.  (nobody has argued with us yet).  

Originally built at the Lyon's Boatyard in 1867, the Lone Star was modified in 1890 in the "Western Rivers" style of construction.  This style was necessary to operate in the shallow waters of the Mississippi River.  Further modifications took place in 1922 so the Lone Star could both dredge sand and tow the sand-filled barges up and down the river.

Owned by Builder's Sand & Gravel for 70+ years -- the Lone Star made two round trips each week from Davenport, Iowa to the sand pits in Camanche, Iowa.  The Lone Star schedule was well known to the people of LeClaire, Iowa -- as she paddled up and down the river four times each week.

The Lone Star retired in 1967, as new Coast Guard regulations would not allow a wooden-hulled towboat to operate on the Mississippi River.  Ethel DeLarue, President of Builder's Lime & Cement, donated the Lone Star to the LeClaire Businessman's Association.

The Lone Star was dry-docked in 1967 -- and in 2009 -- the Buffalo Bill Museum raised $980,000 to build a building around her.

The Lone Star is popular with our visitors -- both young and old!  Children love to climb up to the "Texas Deck" and see the small cabins where the 3 crewmen slept.  Once aboard the Lone Star -- you can watch a brief film, made by the crew in 1963 -- showing working life aboard the Lone Star.