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.

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.