Riverboat Landing: A History of the Ocklawaha River Steamboats

Riverboat Landing by Michael C. Mason and Edward A. Mueller (includes the complete text of Ocklawaha River Steamboats by Edward A. Mueller) Step back into a time when paddlewheel steamboats glided through the moss-draped bends of the Ocklawaha River, carrying passengers, freight, and the lifeblood of Central Florida's early industries. Riverboat Landing preserves and republishes the entire text of Edward A. Mueller's classic Ocklawaha River Steamboats, a definitive account of the vessels, captains, and communities that once thrived along this storied waterway. Building on Mueller's work, Michael C. Mason adds heartfelt reflections and historical insights into the river's broader legacy-exploring Silver Springs, Ocala, and the industries that depended on the Ocklawaha's winding course, from citrus groves and lumber mills to logging camps and turpentine stills. This book is both a tribute and a time capsule, capturing the romance and resilience of a region shaped by its river. For those who remember-or wish they could-Riverboat Landing offers a journey into the heart of Old Florida.

About the Author :
Edward A. Mueller (1932-2014) was a respected maritime historian and author whose passion for steamboats and inland waterways shaped decades of research and writing. Based in Florida, Mueller dedicated much of his life to documenting the rich heritage of steamboat travel throughout the southeastern United States.He authored numerous books and articles on steamboating, including definitive works on the St. Johns River, the Suwannee River, and Florida's Gulf Coast, and was widely recognized for his meticulous attention to historical accuracy, archival research, and rare image curation. Ocklawaha River Steamboats remains one of his most celebrated titles, capturing the romance and history of one of Florida's most mysterious and storied waterways.Mueller's work continues to be a vital resource for historians, researchers, and steamboat enthusiasts across the country. Michael C. Mason (1951-2014) was a passionate historian and storyteller with a lifelong fascination for the riverboats of the Ocklawaha River. For decades, he collected rare images, artifacts, and firsthand accounts, preserving the legacy of Florida's steamboat era. In 1989, he created a mobile exhibit and, alongside his father, traveled across north central Florida-bringing history to life for students and communities through vivid displays and captivating tales.Before his work as a local historian, Mason served as an Aerial Combat Photographer in the United States Air Force. His assignments took him across Southeast Asia, where he documented the war effort in Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia, and Laos. He flew 118 combat missions aboard the Phantom F-4, gaining air time in both fixed-wing and rotor aircraft.Mason shared a close friendship with fellow riverboat historian Edward Mueller, and their mutual passion led to this collaborative work. In Riverboat Landing, Mason honors Mueller's legacy by incorporating the entire text of his seminal book, Ocklawaha River Steamboats, ensuring these stories continue to inspire future generations.