Built in 1976, by St. Louis Ship of St. Louis, Missouri (hull #3803) as the Ralph E. Plagge for Midland Enterprises Incorporated of Cincinnati, Ohio.

In 2002, the tug was acquired by the Ingram Barge Company of Nashville, Tennessee. Where she retained her name.

In 2023, the Ingram Barge Company renamed the tug as the James L. Hamilton.

Powered by two, GM 16-645E7B diesel engines. With Falk reduction gears, at a ratio of 4.345:1. Turning two, fixed pitch propellers mounted in kort nozzles. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 6,120 horsepower.