Popeye the Sailor Man writer + artist recognized with new sign on Coosa River

Did you know Popeye the Sailor Man has a strong connection to our state?

Tom Sims, an Ohatchee native, was a cartoon artist and writer for the beloved carton which was first created in 1929. Sims, who took over the comic in 1938, originally based Popeye’s adventures on the Coosa River and the time his father spent as captain of the “Leota” steam boat.

This week, the Coosa Riverkeeper installed a new sign to honor Sims + his work at Jack L. Ray Park in Gadsden right next to the Coosa River.

“As a boy, I was raised on the Coosa River. When I began writing the script for Popeye, I put my characters back on the old Leota that I knew as a boy, transformed it into a ship, and made the Coosa River a salty sea.”

Tom Sims in a 1944 interview, via Etowah Chamber

It’s located on River Road just behind the Hampton Inn.

Tom Sims

The Coosa Riverkeeper, an organization dedicated to making the Coosa healthier for the community, helped put together the vision for the sign more than a year ago.

In May 2024, the Gadsden city council approved an easement for Coosa Riverkeeper to locate the historical marker then the organization applied for a Legends & Lore grant to erect the marker. It was officially unveiled Wednesday, Oct. 15.

According to the City of Gadsden, Sims father was the captain of the Leota, formerly the steamboat Annie M., which was built by the River Iron Company of Gadsden to push barges to the furnace.

After it was purchased by the Federal Government and renamed Leota, the steamboat was used to help rebuild low lift dams on the Coosa River.

“This marker is a wonderful way to celebrate Tom Sims’ connection to the Coosa River and Gadsden’s history. It is a meaningful addition to the Jack L. Ray Park and reminds us of the cultural and environmental treasures in our community.”

Philip Hall, President and CEO of the Chamber

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