Author Archives: leelinesteamers

Another EBay find from March 1898. My great uncle Robert E. Lee (no kin) became the general manager of the Lee Line sometime in the mid 1890’s. His grandfather James Lee Sr as well as his father James Lee Jr. … Continue reading →

This image was sent by David Reed, Chief Curator Reno County Museum and Strataca Hutchinson Kansas. David emailed the following about the collection of glass negatives, David, thank you for allowing me to use this great image of the REES … Continue reading →

This postcard is a recent EBay find. March 5, 1899 the BUTTORFF struck a bridge pier abutment at Clarksville Tennnessee on the Cumberland River. One account noted that all that was needed to put a steamboat back into service was … Continue reading →

Both of these pictures were found in the archive of the University of Wisconsin Lacrosse Collection. Prior to wide spread dredging of the Mississippi River, ice gorges developed due to slow moving currents with the result that steamboats that could … Continue reading →

Thank you Lola Culler for sharing these pictures of your Lee Line sugar dish.

Justin B., thank you for sending these pictures of Lee Line serving dishes. These silver plated dishes were made by Reed and Barton. Last year I was able to purchase an identical creamer pitcher that had lost just about all … Continue reading →

Way’s Packet Directory recorded the SADIE hit a snag at Dennis Landing. Of interest is the stern sign SADIE LEE of NEW YORK. Sometime after the death of Capt. James Lee Jr., (Feb 1905) the Lee Line reincorporated in New … Continue reading →