EP 148: The Sultana Disaster

This week on Hashtag History, we will be discussing the deadliest shipwreck in American history. On April 27, 1865, a commercial steamboat called the Sultana, carrying over 2,000 passengers (though it was legally only allowed to carry 376) burst into flames due to unresolved issues with the boilers. Between the people that died immediately as a result of the explosion, those that died later of burn damage, and those that died in their attempts to swim to shore, the total number of casualties is estimated to be somewhere between about 1,200 and 1,800.

This disaster occurred the same month that marked the end of the Civil War (the bloodiest war in American history), it was the month that marked the first presidential assassination in American history with Lincoln’s death, and it was the month that marked the start of the Reconstruction Era.

So, like, there was a lot going on…

Because of that, much of the disaster was largely overshadowed. Much of the research was extensively neglected. But this is a really important story to tell. The Titanic (which we have talked about before) is so much more popular than the Sultana and yet the number of casualties is roughly the same.

Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode.

Citations for all sources can be located on our website at www.HashtagHistory-Pod.com. You can also check out our website for super cute merch!

You can now sponsor a cocktail and get a shout-out on air! Just head to www.buymeacoffee.com/hashtaghistory or head to the Support tab on our website!

You can locate us on www.Patreon.com/hashtaghistory where you can donate $1 a month to our Books and Booze Supply. All of your support goes a long ways and we are endlessly grateful! To show our gratitude, all Patreon Supporters receive an automatic 15% OFF all merchandise in our merchandise store, a shoutout on social media, and stickers!

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

- Rachel and Leah