This statue has been in front of Riverview Hall and Theater since 1967. It is located on the Shreveport Red Riverfront off of Clyde Fant Parkway between Milam and Crockett Streets in downtown Shreveport. It was the late Shreveport Mayor Clyde Fant, himself, who had a hand in placing this statue here at that time, as a matter of fact. Captain Shreve was born in New Jersey, the fifth of eight children on October 21, 1785. He became a steamboat pilot at a very early age and in 1833 began the arduous task of removing what became known as The Great Raft, a massive accumulation of thick brush, and underwater debris and blockage that stretched for an estimated 150 – 200 miles by most accounts, from obstructing the Red River in this area. And in doing so, this project took five years from 1833 – 1838, and made what would eventually become the city of Shreveport, also his own namesake, and a most viable port of and for the South. Shreve was just 48 years of age when he first faced off with The Great Raft. Shreve never did actually reside long-term in this town that still bears his name and he passed away, and was buried in the city of St. Louis, where he still rests to this day in Bellefontaine Cemetary. He was 65 years old at the time of his death on March 6, 1851. This statue is open year round and is free for public viewing. It is within easy walking distance from Sci Port Discovery Center, El Dorado Resort and Casino as well as Sam’s Town Casino and Hotel and also Riverview Park.
