ROBERT E LEE STEAMBOAT

Built in 1866, Robert E. Lee was the fastest steamboat afloat in an age when speed was all. Records were set in everything but safety as fool-hardy skippers tied down steam escape valves and over-stoked boilers to the point of explosion and fire. The greatest race of all time occurred when Robert E. Lee was challenged by the steamer Natchez. 3 days, 18 hours, and 14 minutes after the race began, Robert E. Lee reached New Orleans. She beat Natchez by 6-1/2 hours and set a record which stands to this day. Intricate railings & carvings, delicate gingerbread decorations, movable paddle wheels, cotton bales on deck, wrought iron funnel decorations, colorful flags and decals, twin gangways, twin river anchors, bell & whistles, 3 lifboats, pilot house and boiler facing.