The Case:
When the SS Sultana exploded on April 27, 1865, more than 1,800 died —outnumbering the death toll from the Titanic disaster. Why, then, do so few people know about one of the worst maritime disasters in U.S. history? And what caused the explosion that took so many lives?
The Civil War was finally over, and most of the passengers aboard that night were Union soldiers returning to their families from Confederate prison camps. But the number of people on board far exceeded the ship’s capacity—they barely had room to stand.
At 2:00 a.m. a mysterious explosion below deck set the Sultana ablaze and catapulted passengers into the frigid Mississippi.
Can the History Detectives solve the mysterious explosion of the SS Sultana? Was it an act of Confederate sabotage? Faulty machinery? Dangerous conditions?
Meeting with descendants of rebel boat burners and Sultana survivors, uncovering government records, and hunting for the wreck site, the team reveals a tale of incompetence, bribery, politics and nepotism that leads all the way to President Lincoln and the White House.
Season 11, Episode 1
Detective:
Tukufu Zuberi
Detective:
Wes Cowan
Detective:
Kaiama Glover
Location:Near Memphis, TN
Related Content
Feature:
Explore
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Exercise Records
What role did these records play in the sculpting of america's fixation with fitness?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
King Kong Camera
Was this old movie camera used to film the original version of King Kong?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
McKinley Casket Flag
Did this flag once drape the casket of President William McKinley?
-
Related Investigation
Chandler Tintype
How did this Civil War era tintype help re-ignite a fiery debate about African Americans bearing arms for the confederacy?
-
Related Investigation
John Hunt Morgan Saddle
Could this be a saddle from one of the most audacious attacks launched by the South during the Civil War?
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Mark Twain's Watch
Was this watch a gift from noted author American author Mark Twain?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.