Built in 1976, by St. Louis Ship of St. Louis, Missouri (hull #3561) as the J.S. McDermott for Federal Barge Lines Incorporated of St. Louis, Missouri.

In 1984, the tug was acquired by Midland Enterprises Incorporated of Cincinnati, Ohio. Where she retained her name.

In 2003, she was acquired by the Ingram Barge Company of Nashville, Tennessee. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2004, the Ingram Barge Company renamed the tug as the E. Bronson Ingram.

Powered by two, GM 20-645E7B diesel engines. With Falk reduction gears, at a ratio of 4.229:1. Turning two, fixed pitch propellers mounted in kort nozzles. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 10,500 horsepower.