Overview
Jeffboat was a historic shipyard located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1834 as the Howard Shipyard by James Howard, it evolved over nearly two centuries into the largest inland shipbuilder in the United States and the second‑largest builder of barges before its closure in 2018.
Founding and Early History
- Founded: 1834 (originally Howard Shipyard)
- Founder: James Howard, who began with the steamboat Hyperion
- Early output: Steamboats for river service; notable early vessels include the sternwheelers Joe Fowler (1888) and Emily (1891)
Name Changes and Ownership
- The Howard family owned the yard for 107 years, producing over 3,000 ships.
- During World II the United States Navy purchased the facility (1942), operating it as the Jeffersonville Boat & Machine Company.
- Post‑war, the yard was renamed the Jeffersonville Boat and Machine Company and later adopted the shortened name “Jeffboat” in 1957.
- In its final years, Jeffboat operated as a subsidiary of American Commercial Lines Inc. (ACL), which is owned by Platinum Equity.
Production Highlights
- World War II: Built 123 Landing Ship, Tanks (LSTs), 23 submarine chasers, and other naval craft.
- Post‑war era: Focus shifted to river barges, towboats, and occasional nostalgic paddlewheelers such as the Mississippi Queen (1973) and General Jackson (1985).
Workforce and Labor Relations
- The yard experienced a wildcat strike in 2001.
- A union decertification petition in 2016 was rejected; workers retained representation by Teamsters Local 89.
Closure
- Defunct: April 23, 2018 – Jeffboat announced the shutdown of its 68‑acre facility after laying off a significant portion of its workforce due to declining production.
Site Redevelopment
- Following closure, the former shipyard property has been subject to redevelopment plans aimed at mixed‑use and commercial projects along the Ohio River in Jeffersonville.
Legacy
Jeffboat’s nearly two‑century history reflects the evolution of American inland shipbuilding, from 19th‑century steamboats to mid‑20th‑century naval vessels and modern barge construction. Its contributions to river transportation and wartime production remain a notable part of Indiana’s industrial heritage.
