Monument
The Tug Shamokin Propeller
A seven-foot, 5,000-pound brass propeller preserving the story of the coal-hauling Tug Shamokin.
The Tug Shamokin was built in Camden, New Jersey, for the Reading Railroad Company and hauled millions of tons of anthracite coal through East Coast ports for more than half a century.
A Tug Built for Anthracite
The 185-foot, 1,600-horsepower tug won international maritime tugboat races in 1952 and 1953 and assisted after the 1957 Northeast Airlines Flight 823 crash near Rikers Island.
Racing and Rescue
City resident Bill Dudeck helped recover the propeller, bell, and anchor after the tug was scrapped. The polished brass propeller now stands as a reminder of Shamokin's coal, railroad, shipbuilding, and working-family heritage.
Bringing the Propeller Home
The best viewing point is directly in front of the propeller display.
Why This Memorial Matters
The seven-foot brass propeller weighs about 5,000 pounds. The tug moved anthracite for the Reading Railroad and won international tugboat races in 1952 and 1953. During the 1957 Flight 823 disaster, the vessel ferried medical personnel and supplies to Rikers Island.
Image gallery
Open any image to view the full-size photograph or document.
Location
Market Street near Water Street, Shamokin, PA