Rob Stone Shoots

The U.S. Gorham

📍 Bromley, Kentucky

This rusting wreck along the Ohio River is known as the U.S. Gorham

According to respected river historian Captain Don Sanders, she reportedly began life as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers steam tug operating in New York Harbor before eventually making her way to the Ohio River. At one point she was owned by legendary riverman Captain John Beatty, who intended to convert her into a sidewheel excursion boat, but that vision was never realized.

Later, many locals knew her as River Dogs, a floating bar and gathering place.

In the final chapter of her life, the boat was owned by a person named Spade. If you look closely throughout this video, you’ll notice small metal spades welded into parts of the vessel. I always noticed these and thought it was creative even before learning that the man who did that had Spade as a last name.

I actually have a memory of this place myself. Years ago, my friend Matt and I stopped here by boat. They let us tie up and even told us we could bring our own beer. One of the workers asked if I wanted to see down inside of the boat and took me below deck. I remember water covering the bottom. It may have only been a few inches, but it felt much deeper standing down there. I was told pumps were keeping her afloat, so I didn’t waste much time getting back on deck. Looking back, I’m glad I had the chance to step aboard before she became the wreck we see today.

Today, the Gorham continues to slowly disappear into the Ohio River, but her towering smokestack still stands as a reminder of the many lives this vessel has lived.

Did you ever visit River Dogs, know Brian Spade, or have old photos of the Gorman? I’d love to hear your memories.