The Sultana: America’s deadliest steamboat tragedy

In 1865, the steamboat Sultana, carrying Union soldiers returning home after the Civil War, exploded on the Mississippi River. Over 1,800 people perished in the deadliest maritime disaster in American history. Decades of corruption and neglect in the steamboat industry contributed to the disaster, as did the crew’s decision to badly overfill the vessel with passengers. This tragic event is a reminder of the dangers that can arise when businesses prioritize profits over safety.