City of Macon Steamship Reproduction Poster

This artwork is a remastered and enhanced reproduction of an early steamship portrait titled “City of Macon.” The reproduction is based on a copy of the original oil painting inspired by Antonio Jacobsen, a prolific, late 1800s and early 1900s, nautical art painter. I expanded the image and retouched it using AI tools and Photoshop, which restored the details and vibrancy. The City of Macon has a fascinating history. This American steamship was built in the late 19th century for the Ocean Steamship Company of Savannah, Georgia (often referred to as the “Savannah Line”). It was launched in 1885 and was one of several “City” ships in the Savannah Line, which also included vessels such as the City of Savannah, City of Augusta, and City of Columbus. These steamers provided passenger and freight service between New York City and southern ports, primarily Savannah, Georgia. The City of Macon’s design was like other transitional steamships of the era. This design meant the ship was equipped and rigged with auxiliary sails (as shown in the painting) in addition to her steam-powered engine. This hybrid design was typical in the 1880s, when steam power was reliable but sails were still used for efficiency and as backup. The City of Macon regularly carried passengers, mail, and cotton cargo between New York and Savannah, strengthening commercial ties between the northeastern United States and the South. She remained in service into the early 20th century before being retired as steel-hulled steamers replaced the older iron and composite vessels.