Leavenworth Skiffs

Leavenworth became chiefly known for skiffs and buttons. In 1814, Zebulon Leavenworth laid out the town here because of the large fresh water spring at the base of the hill. Two years later, Daniel Lyon established a boat-building industry, first making flatboats and then specializing in wooden rowing skiffs. Later, three successful skiff companies operated in the Leavenworth area: D. Allen Company, Starr Skiff Works, and D. Lyon Skiff Company. D. Lyon's skiffs were known for their quality from Pittsburgh to the Gulf of Mexico and were used extensively by the Corps of Engineers in dam operations. The Lyon family company prospered until the 1937 flood, and wooden boats became virtually obsolete by the 1950s as aluminum and fiberglass replaced them.

Leavenworth, Indiana · United States