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This Day in Arkansas History

April 27, 1865

The steamboat Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River, ten miles north of Memphis, Tennessee, killing as many as 1,800, mostly Civil War veterans. The steamboat had arrived in Vicksburg, Mississippi, from New Orleans, with boilers leaking badly, and took on some 1,996 Federal soldiers and thirty-five officers who had been released from Confederate prisons at war’s end. The load far exceeded what was safe for a steamboat of that size, and it is likely that the heavy load strained the boilers and led to the explosion. It is believed to be buried today beneath a soybean field in northeast Arkansas. In nearby Marion (Crittenden County), a historical marker pays tribute to the disaster.

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Amity Town Square

The Clark County community of Amity was settled by pioneers in the 1840s. Reportedly named by settlers who hoped to gain peace and brotherhood, the area developed slowly until the construction of the railroad shortly after the start of the twentieth century. Becoming a shipping and trading center, the town, shown in this early 1900s photograph, was officially incorporated in 1907.

 

The Clark County community of Amity was settled by pioneers in the 1840s. Reportedly named by settlers who hoped to gain peace and brotherhood, the area developed slowly until the construction of the railroad shortly after the start of the twentieth century. Becoming a shipping and trading center, the town, shown in this early 1900s photograph, was officially incorporated in 1907.

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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