The famous steamboat race between the Natchez and the Robert E. Lee began in New Orleans on this date, at 5 PM. It was a 1200 mile upstream race to St. Louis, and the record of 3 days, 18 hours, and about 20 minutes still stands for commercial boats.
This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.Missouri History Today
June 30, 1870
Written By
Missouri Life
