Donaldson Art Sign Co. (19th Century), Night-time Race Between Paddlewheelers Natchez and the Robert E. Lee

Donaldson Art Sign Co. (19th Century).
Night-time Race Between Paddlewheelers Natchez and the Robert E. Lee.
Chromolithograph with framing lines.
Cincinnati: Donaldson Art Sign Co., c. 1870.
21 3/4" x 31 1/8" sheet.

The Golden Age of Steamboat Travel on the Mississippi River.

The legendary steamboat race between the Robert E. Lee and the Natchez in 1870 remains one of the most celebrated events in the history of American river transport. This epic contest began on June 30, 1870, when the Robert E. Lee, under the command of Captain John W. Cannon, challenged the Natchez, helmed by Captain Thomas P. Leathers, to a race from New Orleans to St. Louis. After an exhilarating journey that captured the nation’s imagination, the Robert E. Lee reached St. Louis on July 4, 1870, completing the race in just over three days, a record time. The Natchez arrived several hours later, delayed partly by a brief stop due to fog.