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ROBERT E. LEE
riverboat model
The steamboat Robert E.
Lee was built soon after the end of the Civil War for
the cotton trade between Vicksburg and New Orleans. She
had a reputation as a fast, comfortable boat
distinguished by "the rich deep tone of her bell, and
the loud noise produced by the escapement of steam from
her cylinders."
Robert E. Lee's greatest competition was the most
celebrated steamer Natchez. Shortly after the latter
broke a quarter-century-old record between New Orleans
and St. Louis, the two vessels were prepared in New
Orleans for a historic race on June 30, 1870. Natchez
for St. Louis while Lee for Louisville.
Newspapers of the day reckoned that millions of dollars
were wagered on the outcome of the race which attracted
international attention. The Lee’s three-day, 18-hour,
and 14-minute victory was an upset for the favored title
holder, the Natchez. Along the way Lee also broke
records from New Orleans to Vicksburg, and to Cairo. The
trophy awarded was a huge set of golden elk antlers,
which are now on display at the Old Courthouse Museum in
Vicksburg.
Lee ran until 1876, proving herself very profitable for
her owner with over 5,000 bales of cotton on her regular
runs from Vicksburg to New Orleans. After her
dismantlement, her hull became a beautiful wharf boat in
Memphis, Tennessee for many years later.
This primarily wood Robert
E. Lee riverboat model is
38"L x 11"W x 17" T.
$3,590
Shipping and insurance in
the contiguous USA included.
Other places: $300 flat rate.
For other sizes,
please send us an email for a quote. We have built
several eight-foot long models.
Lighting feature is included.
A boat is
not a riverboat without beautiful lighting. LED
light powered by standard 9v battery
for your convenience. Our model has realistic and
beautiful lighting, including navigation light. Many
have tried but failed. A cheap model can never keep up
our
with genuine artistic design and engineering ability.
Model is built per commission only.
The process is simple and easy. We need only a small
commitment deposit to start the process. The remaining
balance won't be due until the model is complete. Please
click here for lead
time.
If the photos above
delight you eyes, let us build a model of your favorite
steamer by clicking on this link to let us know of your
preferences:
Commissioning.
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