Examines the case of the steamboat Effie Afton, which barreled into a pillar of the Rock Island Bridge in May of 1856, and the role of trial lawyer Abraham Lincoln.

"The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad (CRI&P) had a long and varied history, possessing an aextensive network that made it the 10th largest railroad in the United Stes serving 14 states. The CRI&P was a pioneer and did much to promote the development of its territory. Although following a Chicago & North Western Railway (C&NW) predecessor west out of Chicago, the Roack Island became the first road to bridge the Mississippi and enter Iowa, only...