Old Times on the Upper Mississippi The Recollections of a Steamboat Pilot from 1854 to 1863

"Old Times on the Upper Mississippi" by George Byron Merrick is a captivating memoir that transports readers to the vibrant world of steamboat piloting on the Mississippi River between 1854 and 1863. Through the author's firsthand experiences, the book paints a vivid picture of the river's bustling commerce, the unique characters who navigated its waters, and the cultural landscape that defined the era. It begins with the author's youthful fascination with the grand steamboats that dominated the river, setting the scene for exciting tales of river adventures, encounters with Native American tribes, and the daily life along the Mississippi's shores. Merrick masterfully captures a bygone era, revealing both the charm and the challenges of a life intertwined with one of America's most iconic rivers.