1930's Portuguese immigrant Arthur Agra begins operation of speed boat rides from the south east corner of Navy Pier with a boat carrying 6 passengers.

1940's Arthur and son Robert Sr. move their operations to the south west side of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Dr., as Mercury Sightseeing Boats and expand with vessels carrying 40 passengers.

1960's The Agra's expand to include sightseeing boats both at the State Street bridge and the Michigan Avenue Bridge with vessels carrying 100 passengers

1970's Robert Agra Jr. takes over the operation, closing State Street operations and experiencing growth at the Michigan Avenue location.

1990's Robert's wife Holly expands operations by adding Chicago's First Lady Cruises, a separate company operating the first riverfront fine dining vessel in Chicago.

1991 Holly Agra becomes the first female President of The Passenger Vessel Association.

2000's Chicago's First Lady Cruises expands it's company and partnership with The Chicago Architecture Foundation to operate 3 vessels within her fleet and complement the original Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline, which continues to operate 2 sightseeing vessels.

2001 Chicago's First Lady and Mercury Cruiselines move operations to the south east corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge and continue to operate tours and charters from that location today, and house their corporate offices in Palatine, Illinois.

Both companies are proud to be equal opportunity employers. Mercury Cruiselines is extremely proud to be associated with Mr.Alvin Mahus, First Mate and Ms. Diane Uczen, Director of Group Sales, both 35 year veterans with the company.

2009 Chicago's Riverwalk opens at Chicago's First Lady's docking location at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.