The Star is a 131 ft long, 86 ton paddlewheel ship built in 1982. It was originally named the LaCrosse Queen and was renamed to the Robert E. Lee. Finally it was renamed to the Star. It has three engines onboard: two diesel Cummins 5.9 turbo engines that power both the port and starboard paddlewheels, plus it has a Perkins engine that powers the 30kw generator. There is a bow thruster driven off the starboard engine and has mechanical steering with flanking and steering rudders. Since the paddlewheels are split, they can be controlled independently, even individually reversed to assist with turning. I was surprised to learn that this is a true paddle wheeler without any propellers. The paddle wheels are not just for show and actually propel the ship.
We were in line early and therefore first on the ship when it boarded. Those who paid for the lunch buffet sat on the enclosed lower deck, and those who just paid for a sightseeing cruise were seated on the upper deck which is covered but has open sides. Our table was set before our arrival with dinnerware and goblets with ice water. They have a full bar onboard as well.
Not long after being underway we were encouraged to get our lunch from the buffet, which consisted of roasted chicken patty, corn, carrot coins, pasta salad, biscuits and apple cobbler for dessert. The chicken was average banquet rubbery chicken, but overall lunch was not too bad. Doreen had a glass of Pinot Blanc wine and I had a beer.
As we ate lunch, the ship cruised down the river at a leisurely rate and we watched as Knoxville passed us by. I followed along on Google Maps and could see the University of Tennessee and the Medical Center in the distance. There was little other boat traffic, but it is mid-week and school is back in session here.
We enjoyed the lunch cruise and the weather cooperated nicely. We deboarded the ship and drove just a few blocks away to see James White's Fort. Across the street is the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Hall of Fame. We did not visit it but instead spent time seeing the fort.
James White's Fort:
So, interesting story about James White's Fort. When I hear the term "fort" I assume it is a military fort, but in this case it is simply a fortified homestead and has never been a military fort. It is considered the birthplace of Knoxville since this is Knoxville’s first home which was founded in 1786 by James White. He came here along with his two sons and several servants in 1783 to claim land grants that were given to him for his service in the Revolutionary War. He built this two story log home that features two fireplaces, glazed windows and a chimney with dressed stones.
Later he continued to expand and built additional cabins, such as a separate kitchen, and several other guest homes. Also they built a smoke house, a weaving house, a blacksmith shop and another building which is now the gift shop and office. They said this is not the exact location of the structures but very close and they were relocated to this present site. In 1791 the Governor asked if he would part with some of his land for a capital for the territory. That was the beginning of Knoxville.
Some pictures:
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