The Last of the Flatboats A Story of the Mississippi and Its Interesting Family of Rivers

Set against the winding Mississippi and the quiet Ohio‑river town of Vevay, the tale opens with a vivid picture of early‑19th‑century river life. Swiss‑settler families line the banks, their names echoing through the water‑logged streets, while flatboats glide toward distant horizons. The narrative captures the scent of river mud, the creak of wooden hulls, and the restless energy of boys who grow up with the current as their playground.

At the heart of the story are four friends, led by the thoughtful Ed Lowry and his stubborn younger brother Philip. When a mysterious weight—rumored to be a pig—sinks beneath the surface, the boys plunge into the water, testing their courage, wit, and determination. Their banter, loyalty, and fierce resolve turn a simple rescue into a defining moment, revealing the bonds that shape their coming‑of‑age on the great river.