Do you remember as a kid trying to search for treasure? Maybe this meant digging up holes in your backyard or scanning a metal detector along the beach. Imagine your surprise if you were to find a buried steamboat from the 1800s. Well, that’s basically what happened when an excavator and his family unearthed what is considered to one of the greatest discoveries in Missouri history.
The steamboat Arabia was built in 1853 in West Brownsville, Pennsylvania.
The Arabia traveled the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers until it was purchased in 1855 by St. Louis Captain, John Shaw. For the rest of its existence, it traveled through the Missouri River. This river was known to be treacherous for its muddy waters and fallen trees. This was ultimately how the Arabia steamboat met its demise, after being snagged by the thick trunk of a huge, fallen walnut tree.
It wasn't until 1987 that the remains of the steamboat were discovered.
David Hawley led the the ultimate treasure hunt when he unearthed the sunken steamboat about half a mile from the present channel of the Missouri River, 45 feet underground.The excavation took about 20 years to complete and resulted in the discovery of the largest collection of pre-Civil War artifacts in the world.
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Today, visitors can get a first hand look at what was discovered when they visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City.
Over 4, 000 shoes and boots were discovered when the Arabia was excavated. It was known that many Mormon travelers were on board which would explain the symbolic eagle found on some of the belt buckles.
Hundreds of goods that didn't make it to their end destination are stored in the Cargo Gallery.
The supplies found on the Arabia were intended for 16 different stores along the Missouri River. The great thing about this museum is that many of the artifacts are out on display and available for visitors to touch and examine closer.
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For a fun filled day and an interesting history lesson, visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City.
Have you heard of this discovery before? Many consider it to be the “King Tut of Discoveries” in Missouri. It’s definitely a neat place to explore and guests can visit the museum Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and from noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. The Steamboat Arabia Museum is located at 400 Grand Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri. For ticket information, click here.
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