CINCINNATI

In 1989, a property in Cincinnati that was built in 1923 was named a National Historic Landmark.  Well, there was no land involved.  It is the riverboat Majestic.  You can't really call it a riverboat, either.  It needs a tug to move it.  It is a showboat.  The Majestic is a theater, the first floating theater built in the United States.

The boat offered shows of it's own during the years prior to WWII and worked with local universities to offer theater on the river after the war. Indiana University purchased the boat in 1959 and put on shows up and down the river until upkeep became too expensive.  It was put into dry dock in 1965.

In 1989, the City of Cincinnati bought the craft for $13,500 and moored it at the public landing here.  The Majestic was last used as a theater in 2013.

A private citizen purchased Majestic at auction in March of this year for over $100,000 and plans to refurbish it and reactive it as a showboat. It has been moved a little up river to Manchester, Ohio for the necessary work.  I hope to be a visitor when it is completed.