Robert E Lee not the racer depicted in the race with the Natchez
The Lee Line ROBERT E LEE was built at Howard Shipyard Jeffersonville Ind in 1899, whereas the ROB’T E Lee which raced the NATCHEZ was built in 1866. The race began June 30, 1870 and ran from New Orleans to St. Louis. The racer ROB’T E LEE was dismantled in mid-April 1876 and her hull was taken to Memphis and used as a wharf boat. The Lee Line ROBERT E LEE was lost December 22, 1904.
Give credit where credit is due… You mention the Robert E. Lee steamboat (not the racer) was built in Jeffersonville (true), but you do not say the racer Rob’t E. Lee was built in New Albany, Indiana. This racer one is the more famous one.
Thanks,
Robert G Powell, former resident and grad of New Albany High School
Robert, I focus on Lee Line boats and history. The racer Robt E Lee’s history is well known.
Both boats had a lengthy life and history.
Jim Lee