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Sultana Disaster Museum: A Chronicle of Loss and Remembrance

Explore the tragic story of the Sultana steamboat disaster, America's worst maritime disaster, at the Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion, Arkansas.

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The Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion, Arkansas, preserves the memory of America's worst maritime disaster: the explosion and sinking of the steamboat Sultana in 1865. Through artifacts, narratives, and a detailed replica, the museum tells the tragic story of the Sultana and its passengers.

A brief summary to Sultana Disaster Museum

  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current opening hours, as they may vary.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits.
  • Consider visiting in April to coincide with the annual remembrance events.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Sultana Disaster Museum is located at 104 Washington St, Marion, AR 72364. If you are driving from Memphis, take I-55 North to exit 8 for US-64 toward Marion. Follow US-64 E into Marion. Turn left onto Washington Street. The museum will be on your left. Parking is available near the museum. Driving from Memphis International Airport to Marion is approximately 26 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options directly to the museum are limited, you can take a taxi from the William Hudson Transit Center in Memphis to the museum. The taxi ride is approximately 21 minutes. Taxi fares typically range from $27-$60.

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Discover more about Sultana Disaster Museum

The Sultana Disaster Museum stands as a solemn reminder of the tragic sinking of the steamboat Sultana, a disaster that claimed more lives than the Titanic. Located in Marion, Arkansas, near where the disaster occurred, the museum is dedicated to educating the public about this often-overlooked event in American history. The museum's exhibits delve into the history of the Sultana, its construction, and the fateful voyage of April 27, 1865. Overcrowded with paroled Union soldiers returning home after the Civil War, the Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1,800 people. The museum poignantly recounts the stories of the passengers, their wartime experiences, and the circumstances that led to the disaster. Visitors can view artifacts recovered from the wreck, examine historical documents, and see a 14-foot replica of the Sultana. The museum also explores the aftermath of the disaster, including the investigation and the efforts to commemorate the victims. A new, larger facility is under construction and is expected to open in 2026. The new museum promises to offer an even more comprehensive and immersive experience, ensuring that the memory of the Sultana and its victims endures.

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