US Mail Packet Rebecca

The US Mail Packet Rebecca, built in Cincinnati in 1864, was sold to the Wheeling, Parkersburg & Cincinnati Transportation Co. in March of 1867. Under Captain Jack Harrison, the Rebecca ran between Parkersburg and Wheeling until she wrecked at the B&O railroad bridge in Parkersburg, Dec. 7, 1869.

"The towboat DIAMOND had sunk two loads of coal there a day or so before, and the REBECCA hit one of them at Pier 4 of the bridge which was under construction. Four or five deckhands were lost."

The engines from the Rebecca were used to build the packet Courier in 1870. The Courier ran the trip between Parkersburg and Wheeling until the Ohio River Railroad was opened in 1884.

[Source: Way, Frederick. Way's Packet Directory, 1848-1983. Athens: Ohio U, 1983.]

▶ Read more about the wreck of the Rebecca on the WV Explorer website 

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