"Ever since two steamboats passed each other on the Mississippi River, pilots and owners have wanted to compete to see whose boat was faster and could carry more cargo. Perhaps the most famous steamboat race occurred in June, 1870 from New Orleans to St. Louis between the Natchez VI and the Robert E. Lee. In that month, the Natchez had made a record breaking trip from New Orleans to St. Louis in 3 days, 21 hours and 58 minutes. Captain John W. Cannon of the Lee decided that the Natchez success could not go unanswered. While waiting for the Natchez to return to New Orleans, he readied the Robert E. Lee for a race by stripping her of excess weight and declining any passengers or cargo. Captain T. P. Leathers of the Natchez welcomed the challenge, but refused to lighten his burden. The two boats left New Orleans with the Robert E. Lee slightly ahead. During the race, Captain Cannon had arranged for barges to be floated alongside of the Lee to expedite the refueling process. The Natchez was forced to do the same, but only after some time had passed. The Robert E. Lee won the race by several hours, but the Natchez had been stuck on a mudflat for six hours. The Natchez might have won the race if Captain Leathers had unloaded his cargo and passengers." - credit: Currier and Ives July,1870 - http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/rivers/river5.htm Rendered in Poser 7 using: "Mississippi Queen" riverboat by DeEspona from Vanishing Point (a little side note - this riverboat more closely resembles the "Robt. E. Lee" as it was a side wheeler whereas the "Mississippi Queen" was a stern wheeler) Water, lights, and smoke shaders by bagginsbill Re-texturing by me Enjoy!