Sturgis in Union County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
The Robert E. Lee Won with Sturgis Coal
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 13, 2018
1. The Robert E. Lee Won with Sturgis Coal Marker
Nearby coal fields supplied fuel to power steamboat Robert E. Lee in race against the Natchez, 1870. Greatest race in river history began in New Orleans and ended at St. Louis. Robert E. Lee won the championship of Mississippi River by 6 hours and 15 minutes. Both steamboat captains were natives of Kentucky.
Erected 1967 by the Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1092.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 37° 32.734′ N, 87° 59.027′ W. Marker is in Sturgis, Kentucky, in Union County. Marker is at the intersection of 5th Street (U.S. 60) and South Main Street, on the right when traveling west on 5th Street. Located next to the Sturgis Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 504 South Main Street, Sturgis KY 42459, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bell Mines (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); U. S. Treasurer (approx. 1.8 miles away); Civil War Action (approx. 4˝ miles away);
this page online
Also see . . . The Great American Steamboat Race. 64 Parishes website entry (Submitted on January 5, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 13, 2018
2. View of marker at intersection of 5th Street & South Main Street.
Public domain
3. Celebrated race of the steamers Robert E. Lee and Natchez, 1870
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 344 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 25, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
