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The steamboat
Robert. E. Lee was built soon after the end of
the Civil War for the
cotton trade between Vicksburg and New Orleans.
She
had a reputation as a fast, comfortable boat
distinguished by "the rich deep tone of her
bell, and the loud noise produced by the escapement of
steam from her cylinders."
Robert. E. Lee's greatest
competition was the most celebrated steamer
Natchez.
Shortly after the latter broke a quarter-century-old
record between New Orleans and St. Louis, the two
vessels were prepared in New Orleans for a historic race
on
June 30,
1870.
Natchez for St. Louis
while Lee for Louisville.
Newspapers of the day
reckoned that millions of dollars were wagered on the
outcome of the race which attracted international
attention. The
Lee’s three-day, 18-hour, and 14-minute victory was an
upset for the favored title holder, the Natchez.
Along the
way Lee also broke records from New Orleans to Vicksburg,
and to Cairo.
The trophy awarded was a huge set of golden elk antlers,
which are now on display at the Old Courthouse Museum in
Vicksburg.
Lee
ran until 1876, proving herself very profitable for her
owner with over 5,000
bales of cotton on her regular runs from Vicksburg to
New Orleans. After her dismantlement, her hull became a
beautiful wharf boat in Memphis, Tennessee for many
years later.
All wood and metal parts. 38"L x 11"W x 17" T. $990
S&H is $100.
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