Between 1880 and 1887, the Anchor Line built no fewer than ten of these extravagant steamboats, which averaged each about 275 feet (83.33 m) in length from bow to stern and about 45 feet (13.64 m) in width. In contrast to the common practice of naming steamboats after people or after some pleasant-sounding idea, feeling, or animal, the Anchor Line chose to name these craft after cities along its route.
From 1880 to 1887, the Anchor Line built ten impressive steamboats, each averaging about 275 feet in length and 45 feet wide. Unlike common practice of naming ships after people or abstract concepts, the Anchor Line chose city names for their vessels.