Mayor Andrew Broaddus

The Mayor Andrew Broaddus is a steel-hulled vessel that once served as a floating rescue station on the Ohio River in Louisville and now sits at the foot of Fourth Street. The ship has two decks and an elevated lookout tower that allowed staff to monitor the river from an advantageous position.

The original rescue station began operations at the Ohio Falls in 1881 and continued working until this steel vessel was launched in 1929 to replace it. The new ship reflected broader efforts to modernize the nation's lifesaving services during the early 1900s.

The vessel represents a link to the river rescue traditions that shaped Louisville's relationship with the Ohio River over generations. Walking around it today offers insight into how critical water safety infrastructure was to the city's identity and daily life.

The vessel is accessible to the public and sits directly along the Ohio River where visitors can easily reach it on foot. It is best visited during warmer months when weather conditions are pleasant and the entire ship is open for exploration.

The ship is the only surviving floating rescue boat of the United States Life-Saving Service and stands as a rare remnant of this once-widespread institution. Its preservation offers a window into American maritime history that few places can match.

Location: Louisville

GPS coordinates: 38.25917,-85.75500

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53