THE SULTANA

DISASTER MUSEUM

Telling the story of the deadliest maritime disaster in United States history, located in Marion, Arkansas.

THE WORST MARITIME DISASTER IN US HISTORY

In the early morning hours of April 27, 1865, the steamboat Sultana exploded into a fiery blaze on the Mississippi River, eventually drifting and sinking near the Arkansas banks. At the Sultana Disaster Museum, we tell the lost stories of the disaster and those individuals who experienced it.

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The Future Museum

The Sultana Disaster Museum has recently acquired the historic 1939 Marion School Gymnasium & Auditorium as the location for the new expanded museum. Learn more about the future plans and about how you can donate to the museum's capital campaign.

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BREAKING GROUND ON OUR NEW MUSEUM

On November 11, 2022, the Sultana Historical Preservation Society held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Sultana Disaster Museum. Click below to view images from the event and to listen to a speech given at the groundbreaking by Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater.

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STORIES FROM THE SULTANA

Seth & Hannah Hardin

In the confusion and darkness of the night, Hardin lost his wife, never seeing her after they leaped overboard together.

Michigan Infantry, 18th, Co. F, Pvt., Smith, Commodore - Survived (1) abt 1859 - Head sho

Pvt. Commodore Smith

"My heart, even now ... stands still while I write this sad story."

Pvt. Isaac Davenport

"I tel you here was the awfelist sight I ever saw..."