Steamboats Disasters of the Lower Missouri River

During the 19th century, more than 300 vessels met their end in the steamboat graveyard that was the Lower Missouri River, from Omaha to its mouth. Although derided as little more than an “orderly pile of kindling,” steamboats were, in fact, technological marvels superbly adapted to the river’s conditions. Their light superstructure and long, wide, flat hulls powered by high-pressure engines drew so little water that they could cruise on “a heavy dew” even when fully loaded. But these same characteristics made them susceptible to fires, explosions and snags. Join us as authors Vicki and James Erwin detail the perils faced on every voyage by steamboats, their passengers and crews.