The Great American Steamboat Race : The Natchez and the Robert E. Lee and the Climax of an Era

SUMMARY: Running from New Orleans to St. Louis in the summer of 1870, the race between the Robert E. Lee and the Natchez remains the world's most famous steamboat race. This book tells the story of the dramatic contest, which was won by the stripped-down, cargoless Robert E. Lee after three days, 18 hours, and 14 minutes of steaming through day, night and fog. The Natchez finished the race only hours later, having been delayed by carrying her normal load and tying up overnight because of the intense fog. Providing details on not only the race narrative but also on the boats themselves, the book gives an intimate look at the majestic vessels that conquered the country's greatest waterway and defined the bravado of 19th-century America. General,United States,History,History: American,Technology & Engineering,Sports & Recreation,Mississippi River,USA,History of the Americas,Regional History,19th century,United States - 19th Century,c 1800 to c 1900,Transportation,Ships & Shipbuilding,Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900,Steamboats,Boating - General,River steamers,Paddle steamers - Mississippi River - History - 19th century,Boating,Steamboats - Mississippi River - History - 19th century,Paddle steamers,Robert E. Lee (Steamboat),Ships & Shipbuilding - General,Ships & shipping: general interest,Natchez (Steamboat),Marine engineering,Marine & Naval,Americas,Shipbuilding - Mississippi River Region - History - 19th century,River steamers - Mississippi River - History - 19th century,Marine engineering - Mississippi River Region - History - 19th century,19th Century World History,Shipbuilding