The story of Bisso Towboat Co., Inc. begins with the Mississippi River and the story is all about a family which has dedicated its life to the Mississippi River and mastering her every fluke of current, her shallows, and her depths. The company was founded in 1890 by Captain Joseph Bisso with the purchase of the Leo. The firm proved to be a successful operation, and at Capt. Bisso's death in 1907, the firm's fleet had grown to include five tugboats and one river steamer.

Leadership of the company passed to Capt. Joseph Bisso's son, Capt. William A. "Billy" Bisso. In 1908, Capt. Billy formed the New Orleans Coal Co. and under his guidance, it grew to become the largest ship coaling and colliery business in the port. In 1922, he merged the coal firm with Bisso Towboat Co.

Through his leadership and determination, Bisso Towboat Co. emerged from the great depression of the 1930's as the only surviving ship-towing firm in the port. Surviving the depression and World War II, Capt. Billy faced the task of modernizing his fleet and converting his tugs from steam to diesel. Capt. Billy died in 1963 at the age of 88. Afterwards, the company was reorganized under the leadership of his daughter, Cecilia Bisso Slatten, and his grandson, Capt. William A. "Billy" Slatten.

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