Your cruise lets you experience Nashville as it can best be seen from the beautiful Cumberland River.
While “rollin’ down the river,” you’ll enjoy stunning views, a delicious meal freshly prepared by our chefs and toe-tapping entertainment in our two-story Victorian Theater.
One of the largest showboats ever built, the grand General Jackson is an elegant triumph of American ingenuity. With its elegant lacy filigree and stately design, the boat is reminiscent of the opulence of the American Victorian era.
Showboats have long been a colorful part of our nation’s history, and this most unique Nashville attraction epitomizes the grace and grandeur of the South.
The General Jackson Showboat is named after the first steamboat to operate on the Cumberland River in 1817.
Built by the largest inland shipbuilder in the United States, Jeffboat, located in Indiana, the General Jackson was launched on the Ohio River in Indiana to start the journey to its new home on Nashville’s Cumberland River on April 20, 1985.
Please note that firearms and any type of weapons are not allowed aboard the General Jackson Showboat.
Accommodations
Stay the night for the ultimate Nashville experience. Book your trip today!
GaylordOpryland.com • TheInnatOpryland.com
Fun Facts
When was the General Jackson launched?
Our launch date was April 20, 1985!
Who built the General Jackson?
The Jeffboat Inc from Jeffersonville, Indiana built it.
When was it christened?
On July 2, 1985, by Mrs. Thelma Gaylord
What is the capacity?
The capacity of the General Jackson is 1,000 passengers plus crew members.
What is the length of the boat?
274 feet; 300 feet including gang plank
How wide is the boat?
63 feet, 6 inches (width)
How tall is the General Jackson?
55 feet, fixed; 77 feet to the top of folding stacks
What is the draft?
The boat sits 7 feet in the water.
Which engines are used?
2 Caterpillar 3512’s; 1050 hp per engine; 880 kw generators
Which motors are used?
Two 600 HP General Electric motors turn the paddlewheel – 1,200 hp total
What is the speed of the General Jackson?
13 mph top speed; 4-8 mph average speed
How large is the Paddlewheel?
36 feet long, 24 feet in diameter; weighs 36 tons
How heavy is the General Jackson?
1,489 tons dead weight
Bow Thruster
200 hp propeller
What kind of search light does the General Jackson use?
Xenon bulb; 120 million candle power
How big is the Dock?
195’ X 35’ barge
What is the Mooring Cell?
Large cylinders on each end of the dock filled with sand and rock, topped with concrete and used to support and secure the barge/dock.
About the Cumberland River
River Navigable for 381 miles; the General Jackson dock is at mile 197.5; average depth is 15-25 feet; normal (pool) level is 385 feet elevation. A round trip to downtown Nashville and back is 14 miles. The head waters are in Harlin County, Kentucky, and the mouth is at Smithland, Kentucky, where it joins the Ohio River.
Deck Map
