Built in 1977, by the Dravo Steel Ship Corporation of Pine Bluff, Arkansas (hull #76-80-76) as the Forest Queen for the International Paper Company of Mobile, Alabama.
In 2001, the tug was acquired by the Inland Dredging Company of Dyersburg, Tennessee. Where she was renamed as the Inland Cardinal.
Repowered in 1992, she is powered by two Caterpillar 3512 diesel engines. With Twin Disc reduction gears. She is a twin screw towboat, rated at 2,120 horsepower.