Title: Lincoln's greatest case : the river, the bridge, and the making of America /
Authors: McGinty, Brian
Year: 2015
Subjects: Hurd, John; Lincoln, Abraham,; Effie Afton (Steamboat); Chicago and Rock Island Railroad Company.; Trials Illinois Chicago.; Shipwrecks Law and legislation United States.; Railroad bridges United States.; Liability for railroad accidents United States.
Abstract: 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.
Contents: A great highway of nature -- No other improvement -- His peculiar ambition -- The first bridge over the first river -- A collision of interests -- The suit is filed -- Preparing the ground -- A very serious obstruction -- A chorus of protests -- The bridge itself on the stand -- A virtual triumph -- The bridge stands -- The great and durable question -- History's verdict.