Road Scholar : History Along the Mississippi: A Riverboat Voyage from Chattanooga to St. Louis - Tennessee/Missouri/Kentucky/Alabama/Illinois

History Along the Mississippi: A Riverboat Voyage from Chattanooga to St. Louis

Program Number:

21013RJ

Start and End Dates:


	9/20/2013 - 9/29/2013;

Duration:

9 nights

Location:

Tennessee/Missouri/Kentucky/Alabama/Illinois

Price starting at:

$3,897.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; River Boats

Meals:

26; 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners

Flowing through centuries of American history, the Mississippi River has been a key landmark in the expansion of the U.S., the battles of the Civil War and the saga of the Native American. During this autumn riverboat journey along the Mighty Mississippi, join historians as they offer their expertise and lead field trips to the sites of some of our nation’s greatest victories and tragedies.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to one-half mile over flat terrain.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

Chattanooga, Tenn., 1 night; aboard American Queen, 7 nights; St. Louis, Mo., 1 night.

Coordinated by Road Scholar.

Days 1-3: Arrival Chattanooga, Tenn. / embark American Queen:

Discover Chattanooga’s Native American and Civil War history during field trips to the Chattanooga History Center, Lookout Mountain and Point Park. Lodging: Four-star hotel.

Day 4: Florence, Ala.:

Learn about the lives of early Native Americans who inhabited Alabama during an excursion to the Florence Indian Mound.

Day 5: Savannah, Tenn.:

Walk along the hallowed grounds of Shiloh, one of the firstand bloodiest battles in the Western Theater of the Civil War.

Day 6: Paducah, Ky.:

Trace the history of Paducah as you admire the painted murals along the downtown floodwall, and enjoy an opportunity to visit the Quilt Museum or River Museum on your own.

Day 7: Cape Giradeau, Mo.:

Enjoy a pilot house exploration aboard the ship before disembarking. Then, join a historian for a thoughtful exploration of the Trail of Tears Park in Jackson, Mo., and gain insight into one of the greatest tragedies in American history.

Day 8: Chester, Ill.:

Learn about the history of Chester as you explore the Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, Pierre Menard Home and Fort De Chartres.

Day 9: St. Louis, Mo. / disembark / departure:

Explore the historic sites of St. Louis, including the Soulard District and Forest Park, site of the 1904 World’s Fair, and the pivotal role of Lewis & Clarke at the Museum of Westward Expansion located in the famous Gateway Arch. Lodging: Comfortable hotel.

American Queen

The largest steamboat ever built, the American Queen is a recreation of a classic Mississippi riverboat featuring a steam-powered paddlewheel, lacy filigree and, inside, glistening woodwork and antiques. Public areas include the Mark Twain Gallery library, the Grand Saloon and a lounge. Wine and beer are complimentary with dinner.

Road Scholar Instructors

These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.

David Heidler

David S. Heidler has written numerous books and articles on the history of the early American republic, the antebellum period and the Civil War, all in collaboration with wife Jeanne. He has edited encyclopedias on the War of 1812 and the American Civil War and has served as a general editor for several series of monographs examining U.S. civil-military relations and American soldiers’ lives. His most recent work is a biography of Henry Clay.

Meals and Lodgings
	Delta Queen Hotel
		Chattanooga, Tennessee	1 night
	American Queen
		On the Mississippi River aboard the American Queen	6 nights
	Drury Inn Airport St. Louis
		St Louis, Missouri	1 night

Delta Queen Hotel
	Type:	Three-Star Hotel
	Description:	Moored in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Delta Queen has logged over two million miles, carried over half a million passengers and is the only boat to be inducted into the National Marine Hall of Fame while still in service. She has entertained Presidents, foreign dignitaries and a multitude of celebrities. The Delta Queen provides unique accommodations that allow her guests to enjoy all Chattanooga has to offer. From the Tennessee Aquarium, which is accessible by the world's longest walking bridge across the Tennessee River, or via the free electric shuttle, to the city's premier Arts District and four museums, there's something for everyone to enjoy during a stay aboard the Delta Queen.
	Ship Information:	N/A
	Contact info:	100 River Street Chattanooga, TN 37405 USA phone: 423-468-4500 web: http://www.deltaqueenhotel.net/#!
	Facility amenities:	Free wifi in public areas.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Additional nights prior:	See below Contact afloatops@roadscholar.org for more information.
	Check in time:	3:00 PM

American Queen
	Type:	Cruise Ship
	Description:	The American Queen Featuring six decks and measuring 418 feet in length, the American Queen is the world’s largest river steamboat. Modern amenities meet classic river ambiance aboard the American Queen. The 222 staterooms and suites are filled with modern appointments and carefully selected furnishings. Finely crafted hardwood fixtures, grand furnishings and gleaming brass detail the ship’s interior. The gazebo-style pilothouse and towering “feathered” stacks are both designed to be lowered to allow passage under bridges. Each stateroom has private facilities and ample storage. Cabins differ in size, amenity and cost. Limited singles are available.
	Ship Information:	See above description
	Contact info:	Docked at River St Louis, MO 63101 USA phone: 206-292-9606
	Room amenities:	Varies with category purchased
	Facility amenities:	Laundry on board
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

Drury Inn Airport St. Louis
	Type:
	Contact info:	10490 Natural Bridge Rd St Louis, MO 63134 USA phone: 314-423-7700 web: https://wwws.druryhotels.com/PropertyHotelServices.aspx?Property=0075
	Facility amenities:	Free Wireless Internet; Free soda and popcorn in the lobby from 3-10; HBO movie channel;Flat Panel LCD TV in every room; Indoor pool & whirlpool;
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

Travel Details
	Start of Program: Chattanooga, Tennessee. 5:30 PM at the hotel. You will be staying at Delta Queen Hotel that night.
	End of Program: St Louis, Missouri. The ship docks at 8:00 AM. You will be staying at Drury Inn Airport St. Louis the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. "The Guest Information Form" towards the back of your packet must be completed online at www.greatamericansteamboatcompany.com/gif or it must be filled out and faxed to the cruise line at 901.654.2639. Approximately one month prior to the program, cruise documents will be mailed to participants.

Transportation

	To Start of Program
	Location:	Chattanooga, Tennessee

	From End of Program
	Location:	Departure

Driving Directions
	Driving Directions from the airport	Follow Highway 153 south to I-75 South. Take I-24 West toward Chattanooga. Exit at #178 and follow U.S. 27 North. Take exit 1A and turn right on M.L. King. Go 2 blocks, turn right on Broad Street. Go four blocks, turn right on 13th Street. Turn right into The Chattanoogan courtyard.
	From Atlanta, GA	I-75 North to I-24 west toward Chattanooga. Take exit #178, US 27 north, to downtown exits. Take exit 1A (MLK Boulevard) and turn right on M.L. King. Go 2 blocks and turn right on Broad Street. Go four blocks and turn right on 13th Street. Turn right into The Chattanoogan courtyard.
	From Nashville, TN	I-24 east to exit #178, US 27 north, to downtown exits. Take exit 1A (MLK Boulevard) and turn right on M.L. King. Go 2 blocks and turn right on Broad Street. Go four blocks and turn right on 13th Street. Turn right into The Chattanoogan courtyard.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Arrival, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
(Friday, September 20)

Afternoon:	Arrivals and transfer to hotel.
Dinner:	Welcome reception and Dinner at hotel.
Evening:	Free time to explore Chattanooga on your own.

Accommodations:	Delta Queen Hotel
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 2:

Explore Chattanooga and then embark on the American Queen
(Saturday, September 21)

Breakfast:	At the hotel
Morning:	An exploration of the history of Chattanooga as it relates to its Native American culture. The “Passage” at Ross’s landing commemorates the river crossing that signaled the point of no return for the journey to Oklahoma. A visit to the Chattanooga History Center will further expand our topic with local historians. We will also visit Lookout Mountain and Point Park with its magnificent views and rich history both Native American and Civil War.
Lunch:	At a local restuarant
Afternoon:	Embark on the American Queen. Your home for the week.
Dinner:	Onboard the American Queen.
Evening:	Enjoy evening activites and performances, and buffet aboard the American Queen.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:

Steamboating
(Sunday, September 22)

Breakfast:	Onboard the American Queen
Morning:	This morning we will take a tour of the American Queen to get acquainted and meet some of our crew members. Then we will have our first exclusive Road Scholar lecture with David Heidler. “The Trail of Tears: Policy, Problems, and Pathos” in which he will discuss the impact of Indian Removal on the Cherokee Tribe."
Lunch:	Onboard the American Queen.
Afternoon:	Free time to enjoy some of the ship activities. Consult your River Times daily ship newsletter for the day's offerings. Then joing in the Captain's Champagne Welcome Reception.
Dinner:	Onboard the American Queen.
Evening:	Enjoy a performance onboard the ship.

Accommodations:	American Queen
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Florence, AL
(Monday, September 23)

Breakfast:	Onboard the American Queen.
Morning:	Visit the Florence Indian Mound, located near the banks of the Tennessee River. It is the Tennessee Valley's largest domiciliary mound. It is a typical example of the work of the early Native Americans who lived in Alabama before the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Creek nations inhabited this region. It is a 42 foot high quadrilateral mound with a summit measuring 145 x 94 feet. Early settlers in the region found steps on the east side and evidence that the mound had been enclosed by a semi-circular earthen wall.
Lunch:	Onboard the American Queen.
Afternoon:	Enjoy another lecture by David Heidler entitled: “The Creek Wars In the Saga of Indian Removal” focusing on the Creek Confederation." Then spend some quality time with your fellow participants at the Road Scholar Cocktail Party.
Dinner:	Onboard the American Queen.
Evening:	Enjoy a performance onboard the ship.
Evening:	Participate in the ship's evening activities or catch a performance.

Accommodations:	American Queen
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

Savannah, TN
(Tuesday, September 24)

Breakfast:	Onboard the American Queen.
Morning:	Savannah is the port stop for Shiloh, one of the first battles in the Western Theater of the Civil War. Known for being one of the bloodiest battles of the war, it was named for the small church near Pittsburgh Landing, named Shiloh (meaning peace). Our field trip today will take us to this significant site to learn about the battle and walk these hallowed grounds.
Lunch:	Onboard the American Queen.
Afternoon:	Spend some free time on the ship's Front Porch of America, cozy up with a book in the Mark Twain Gallery, or try your hand at some card's in Ladies' Parlor or Gentleman's Card Room.
Dinner:	Onboard the American Queen.
Evening:	Enjoy an evening performance aboard the American Queen.

Accommodations:	American Queen
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

Paducah, KY
(Wednesday, September 25)

Breakfast:	Onboard the American Queen.
Morning:	This morning we meet our lecturer, David, whose subject today is “ They Wanted My Land and I was in Trouble Defending It: Differing Views of Stewardship and Ownership in the Age of Removal”. The subject matter includes the Indian concepts of land ownership and the United States civilization program from Washington to Jackson.
Lunch:	Onboard the American Queen.
Afternoon:	Paducah was once the hunting grounds of the Chicksaw Indians and was purchased by Andrew Jackson in 1818. In 1827, General William Clark, brother of George Rogers Clark, surveyed a new town and named it Paducah in honor of the “Padouca” nation of Indians. Local folklore tells of the legendary Chief Paduke, who symbolizes this great nation. See the Floodwall that protects historic downtown Paducah from the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers overflowing their banks includes three city blocks of painted murals that capture important moments in Paducah's history on a guided walk. The murals were designed & painted by Robert Dafford and the Dafford Muralists of Lafayette, Louisiana. The project began in 1996; the last panel was completed in 2007. Each mural panel has an interpretative plaque with a short history lesson on the scene depicted in the panel. Each panel also has its own spotlight making the mural walk an enjoyable evening stroll and tourist attraction. After the guided walk you can explore the Paducah Quilt Museum and/or the River Museum on your own.
Dinner:	Onboard the American Queen.
Evening:	Enjoy a performance onboard the ship.

Accommodations:	American Queen
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Cape Girardeau, MO
(Thursday, September 26)

Breakfast:	Onboard the American Queen.
Morning:	Visit the American Queen Pilot House.
Lunch:	Onboard the American Queen.
Afternoon:	Exclusive Road Scholar field trip to Trail of Tears Park in Jackson, MO with a local historian. Trail of Tears State Park commemorates one of the greatest tragedies in American history. The pristine 3,415-acre setting creates a peaceful memorial to the 3,000-4,000 Cherokee who died on the forced march through North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky. Trail of Tears State Park features an Interpretive Center designed to retrace the steps of the Cherokee through a series of interpretive panels. Paintings, maps and other memorabilia depict the crossing of the Mississippi River.
Dinner:	Onboard the American Queen.
Evening:	Enjoy a performance aboard the ship.

Accommodations:	American Queen
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Chester, IL
(Friday, September 27)

Breakfast:	Onboard the American Queen.
Morning:	Samuel Smith built the first home in Chester, established a ferry system, and began the construction of a mill in 1829. He is said to be the town's founder. It was his wife Jane Thomas, a native of Chester, England, who gave Chester its name as a tribute to her home town. The Chester area includes a number of state parks and historic sites. The Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site has a beautiful overlook of the Mississippi River. Down the hill from the park is the Pierre Menard Home, an unusually fine example of French Creole-style architecture, which was built around 1815 and was the home of the first lieutenant governor of Illinois. We continue to Fort De Chartres, the location of the last of three successive forts named “de Chartres” built by the French during their eighteenth-century colonial occupation of what is today Illinois. The first two forts were erected in the 1720s and were square palisaded wooden structures with corner bastions. The third fort, erected in the 1750s, was a massive square stone structure enclosing six buildings, including a still-standing powder magazine that may be the oldest building in Illinois. This fort served as the French seat of government and its chief military installation in the Illinois Country. In 1763 France ceded much of its territory in North America, including Illinois, to Great Britain. British troops occupied the fort from 1765 until 1772, when encroachment by the Mississippi River caused a collapse of the south wall.
Lunch:	Onboard the American Queen.
Afternoon:	Our final talk with historian David Heidler is “Manifest Destiny: Tales of Progress and Tragedy in the Age of Expansion” with focus on political debate, the War with Mexico, and the lasting legacy.
Dinner:	Onboard the American Queen.
Evening:	Enjoy a performance aboard the ship.

Accommodations:	American Queen
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:

St Louis, MO
(Saturday, September 28)

Note: Disembark the American Queen.

Breakfast:	Onboard the American Queen.
Morning:	This morning we disembark in St. Louis and include a visit to the historical sites of St. Louis including Lacledes Landing, historic Soulard District and Forest Park, site of the 1904 World’s Fair and some time to spend at the Jefferson National Expansion Museum located in the famous Gateway Arch with time to see the exhibits and to view the film “Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West”.
Lunch:	Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:	Check into our hotel and enjoy a reception before dinner.
Dinner:	Farewell dinner at Lombardo's, the hotel's onsite restaurant.

Accommodations:	Drury Inn Airport St. Louis
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:

Departure home
(Sunday, September 29)

Breakfast:	At the hotel.
Morning:	Arrange a free shuttle with the hotel staff to get to the airport for your departure.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

8 nights accommodations
26 meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 4
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 7
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Plus these special experiences...

See autumn foliage of the Upper Mississippi River on the largest steamboat ever built, the American Queen.
Ports visited include: Florence, Alabama; Savannah, Tennessee; Paducah, Kentucky; Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Chester, Illinois.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Activity Particulars

Walking up to one-half mile over flat terrain.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

Chattanooga, Tenn., 1 night; aboard American Queen, 7 nights; St. Louis, Mo., 1 night.

Coordinated by Road Scholar.

Days 1-3: Arrival Chattanooga, Tenn. / embark American Queen:

Discover Chattanooga’s Native American and Civil War history during field trips to the Chattanooga History Center, Lookout Mountain and Point Park. Lodging: Four-star hotel.

Day 4: Florence, Ala.:

Learn about the lives of early Native Americans who inhabited Alabama during an excursion to the Florence Indian Mound.

Day 5: Savannah, Tenn.:

Walk along the hallowed grounds of Shiloh, one of the firstand bloodiest battles in the Western Theater of the Civil War.

Day 6: Paducah, Ky.:

Trace the history of Paducah as you admire the painted murals along the downtown floodwall, and enjoy an opportunity to visit the Quilt Museum or River Museum on your own.

Day 7: Cape Giradeau, Mo.:

Enjoy a pilot house exploration aboard the ship before disembarking. Then, join a historian for a thoughtful exploration of the Trail of Tears Park in Jackson, Mo., and gain insight into one of the greatest tragedies in American history.

Day 8: Chester, Ill.:

Learn about the history of Chester as you explore the Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, Pierre Menard Home and Fort De Chartres.

Day 9: St. Louis, Mo. / disembark / departure:

Explore the historic sites of St. Louis, including the Soulard District and Forest Park, site of the 1904 World’s Fair, and the pivotal role of Lewis & Clarke at the Museum of Westward Expansion located in the famous Gateway Arch. Lodging: Comfortable hotel.

American Queen

David Heidler

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Daily Schedule

Note: Disembark the American Queen.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

And included with all Road Scholar programs: