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Shippingport, Kentucky is a long lost river city that was located between Louisville and Portland in the early 1800’s. When you go there today, you discover how the Ohio River has influenced everyone in the region since Lewis and Clark’s started their journey west at the Falls of the Ohio in 1804. You will find the McAlpine Locks and Dam and a Louisville Gas and Electric Hydroelectric plant, great fishing and one of the best river views of Louisville.
Finding what is left of Shippingport is the challenge but well worth it. Take I-64 West to the 22nd Street Exit. Turn right onto Northwestern Parkway and go to the 27th Street entrance to the McAlpine Locks and Dam. Go through the tunnel and what you will see is simply astounding. You will learn how the Ohio River has made Louisville, Kentucky a commercial success by harnessing the river’s energy.
Like Louisville, Shippingport was a result of the rock reef extending across the river that formed a series of rapids that made the Falls of the Ohio impassible except during high water. Before the Louisville and Portland Canal was completed in 1830, all cargo had to be taken off the boats and carried around the Falls for the continuing trip down the Ohio River. This portage around the Ohio River’s only natural obstruction created jobs in hotels, portage businesses, bars, eateries and a place to live for many. Floods ended Shippingport’s life as a river city, but left the island for future development.
Today the McAlpine Locks and Dam are a vital link on the Ohio River transportation system. It is cheaper to transport by river than either truck or rail. Over 50 million tons of cargo moves through the locks each year. One tow with 15 barges will hold the same load as 11.5 miles of trucks bumper to bumper. One gallon of gas will move 1 ton 59 miles on a truck, 209 miles on a train, or 514 miles on a barge.
When you drive over the McAlpine Locks and Dam on the Portland-Shippingport suspension bridge, you land on what’s left of Shippingport Island to find the home of the L.G. & E. Hydroelectric Plant. Its eight turbines are turned by the power of the Falls and provide 100,000 kilowatts or 7% of Louisville’s electricity without any pollution. You can also find great fishing. The power plant chops up the fish as they go through and makes the area just below the plant always filled with fisherman looking for their catch. Take the “Anglers Trail” to the sandy beach and have at it.
August 13, 2023
