Steamboats & Calamities on the Mississippi River
Life, Danger, and Disaster on the Mighty Mississippi
Long before highways crisscrossed the country, the Mississippi River was America’s bustling superhighway—alive with the rhythmic chug of paddlewheels, the whistle of steam, and the vital commerce of a growing nation. But life on the river was as perilous as it was grand. What happened when the golden age of steamboats met hidden snags, roaring boiler explosions, and treacherous waters?
Join the Stoddard County Historical Society and the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library for a captivating evening exploring the thrilling and often tragic maritime history of our nation’s most famous river.
Our Featured Speaker
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Courtney Kisat, who will present an engaging look at steamboats and calamities on the Mississippi River. Drawing on historical accounts and deep regional research, she will bring to life the dramatic stories of passengers, crew members, and the epic disasters that left a permanent mark on river history.
What You’ll Explore
- The Golden Age of Steamboats: How these magnificent floating palaces revolutionized travel, trade, and communication in the 19th century.
- Perils on the Water: The hazards of snags, shifting channels, fire, and catastrophic boiler explosions.
- Tales of Survival and Loss: Riveting true accounts of disasters and daring rescues along the Mississippi
Event Details
- 🗓 📅 Date: Thursday, March 18, 2027
- 🕕 Time: 6:00 p.m.
- 📍 Location: Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library, 17377 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, Missouri
- 🎟 Admission: Free and open to the public! Part of our History After Hours monthly talk series, complete with fascinating stories and refreshments.
History enthusiasts and the public are warmly invited to attend. We’ll see you there!