A Civil War historical marker for Marion that will commemorate the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history has been approved by the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.
The Civil War Sesquicentennial Historical marker will recall the steamboat Sultana that exploded on the Mississippi River east of Marion (Crittenden County) on April 27, 1865, killing an estimated 1,500-1,800 passengers and crew of a possible 2,300 on board.
The exact number on board is unknown, but historical accounts say the steamboat was carrying about six times its registered passenger limit of less than 400 because the boat was filled with former Union prisoners of war headed north after the war’s end.
The historical marker will be located on Mound City Road in Marion. The city is sponsoring the marker.
The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission Historical Marker Program works with local partners to tell stories of how the 1861-65 Civil War affected communities in Arkansas. Those interested in information on the program and other sesquicentennial activities can visit the commission’s website at arkansascivilwar150.com.
The commission has approved 64 markers in 41 counties to date. A stated goal of the commission is to have a marker in each of the state’s 75 counties by the end of 2015.
Arkansas, Pages 10 on 06/11/2013