Shantyboats & Roustabouts: The River Poor of St. Louis 1875-1930

Program Type:

Lectures

Age Group:

Adults (ages 18+)
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Event Details

Winner of the Missouri History Book Award, the Hamlin Garland Prize in Popular History, John Lyman Book Award in U.S. Maritime History, and the James V. Swift Medal for Excellence in Maritime Literature.

Gregg Andrews's "Shantyboats and Roustabouts" offers an insightful exploration into the often-overlooked lives of those who dwelled and worked along the Mississippi River during a transformative period in American history, from 1875 to 1930. By focusing on the waterfront squatter settlements and the vibrant Black entertainment district near the levee in St. Louis, Andrews sheds light on the socio-economic and cultural realities faced by shantyboat dwellers and steamboat roustabouts. These communities, often romanticized or misrepresented in nostalgic and minstrel depictions by travel writers and entertainers, are portrayed with depth and nuance in his work. Andrews's research provides a crucial perspective on the river poor, highlighting their resilience and contributions to the cultural tapestry of the Mississippi Valley, while also addressing the broader themes of industrialization and social change during this era.