Sultana: Greatest Maritime Tragedy in United States History: A Nation's Best Kept Secret

Summary

The disaster of Sultana has been recognized as the greatest maritime tragedy in United States history.  The wreck has little notoriety, despite its significance, due to historical overshadowing and a terminal resting place in the landlocked state of Arkansas.  Efforts for salvage were immediate, but archaeological undertakings have been cautious and sporadic.  An unwelcoming landscape and lack of interest and funding have consorted so that as we approach the sesquicentennial anniversary of Sultana's sinking, little has yet to be done in the way of recognizing the event.  A team of historians, lawyers, city officials, celebrities, and academics have taken it upon themselcves to combat the Mighty, muddy Mississippi, a possibly taboo excavation, and a crippling anonymity in hopes to finally afford this disaster the prestigious recognition it deserves, both in a historical and maritime setting.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2015   •
• In Black Water And In Bright Sunshine: Three Decades of Riverine Archaeology In Inland Waterways

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 494