End of an Era: Iconic Mississippi-Style Gambling Boat Retires in Washington
After 25 years of gracing the waters of the Port of Tacoma, the iconic Emerald Queen, a Mississippi-style paddlewheel riverboat, has officially retired. Sold to Spectral Crane and Marine, a Seattle-based marine equipment rental company, the vessel was towed away to Seattle last Thursday, marking the end of an era.
A Symbol of Nostalgia and Economic Progress
The Emerald Queen was more than just a boat; it represented a piece of history and nostalgia for the residents of Washington State. For a quarter of a century, it brought a touch of the “New Orleans French Quarter” to the Pacific Northwest, enchanting visitors and locals alike with its charm.
Built in 1995 by a Louisiana-based shipyard, the 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat was a classic beauty reminiscent of the vessels that once navigated the waters of the Mississippi River in the 19th century. Operated by the Puyallup tribe as a casino from 1997 to 2004, the Emerald Queen played a crucial role in the tribe’s economic self-determination.
The Legacy Lives On
Although the Emerald Queen’s departure marks the end of an era, its legacy lives on through the brick-and-mortar Emerald Queen Casino in Fife and the larger venue in Tacoma. These casinos stand as a testament to the tribe’s resilience and determination to thrive in the face of change.
As the Puyallup Tribal Council reflected on the vessel’s significance, they expressed gratitude for the foundation it laid for their successful casino ventures. Despite bidding farewell to the Emerald Queen, the tribe’s memories of the riverboat will forever be cherished, serving as a reminder of their journey towards prosperity and growth.
