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The Rise, Ruin, and Banishment of Professional Rowing in the Gilded Age

Ernest Hemingway

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Published in The Triumph Of The Amateurs: The Rise Ruin And Banishment Of Professional Rowing In The Gilded Age

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Professional rowing was once a popular sport in the United States, but it fell into decline in the late 19th century. This article explores the reasons for the sport's decline, including the rise of other sports, the changing social landscape, and the influence of organized crime.

The Rise of Professional Rowing

Professional rowing began in the United States in the early 19th century. The first professional rowing races were held in New York City in 1811. By the 1850s, professional rowing was a major sport in the United States, with races being held all over the country. The most famous professional rowing race was the Grand National Regatta, which was held in Saratoga, New York, from 1874 to 1890.

The Triumph of the Amateurs: The Rise, Ruin, and Banishment of Professional Rowing in the Gilded Age

by William Lanouette

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5714 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	305 pages

Professional rowers were often celebrities. They were paid large sums of money to race, and they were often featured in newspapers and magazines. Some of the most famous professional rowers included John Kelly, Michael Casey, and Barney Biglin.

The Decline of Professional Rowing

The decline of professional rowing began in the late 19th century. There were a number of factors that contributed to the sport's decline, including the rise of other sports, the changing social landscape, and the influence of organized crime.

The rise of other sports, such as baseball and football, drew attention away from professional rowing. These sports were more exciting and more accessible to the general public. As a result, professional rowing began to lose popularity.

The changing social landscape also contributed to the decline of professional rowing. In the late 19th century, the United States was becoming more urbanized and industrialized. This led to a change in the values of the American people. People were no longer as interested in traditional sports, such as rowing, and they were more interested in modern sports, such as baseball and football.

The influence of organized crime also played a role in the decline of professional rowing. In the late 19th century, organized crime began to take control of professional rowing. This led to a number of problems, including fixed races, gambling, and violence. As a result, the public lost interest in professional rowing.

The Banishment of Professional Rowing

In 1890, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) banned professional rowing. The AAU was a powerful organization that governed amateur sports in the United States. The AAU's ban on professional rowing effectively killed the sport. Professional rowing never recovered from the AAU's ban.

The rise, ruin, and banishment of professional rowing in the Gilded Age is a fascinating story. It is a story of how a once-popular sport was destroyed by a combination of factors, including the rise of other sports, the changing social landscape, and the influence of organized crime.

The Triumph of the Amateurs: The Rise, Ruin, and Banishment of Professional Rowing in the Gilded Age

by William Lanouette

4.6 out of 5