The Steamboat Arabia

Elaine took me on a tour of artifacts retrieved when the Steamboat Arabia was dug up in the late 1980's. The boat originally sank in 1856 in the Missouri River. No lives were lost except for a mule who was still tied up to the boat. But there was a vast treasure trove on the ship that to this day they are still cleaning & putting out in the museum. Much of it in great shape. Even canned food was found to still be edible. It is estimated that there are over two hundred more steamboats buried between Kansas City & St. Louis. Probably none with the supplies found on the Arabia. This one was dug up in a cornfield because the Missouri River often moved its banks years ago. A couple of photos show the water wheel. A few photos at the end are photos taken while digging up the boat. It was fun to see some clothespins among the collection. The museum is worth the trip if you are in the area.