Heading up the Missouri River on September 5, 1856, the Steamboat Arabia had just departed from Westport Landing, now it is Kansas City, MO. With passengers and freight for sixteen upriver ports, the Arabia exemplified American westward expansion. Inspired by the vision of cross-continent commerce made possible by vast river systems, Euro-Americans headed west. Transported by a new generation of steamboats capable of carrying more and moving faster, hundred of thousands were seeking fortunes, religious freedom, and adventure.
The ability to ship freight and carry passengers economically, on riverboats such as the Arabia, was much of the reason the movement west happened as fast as it did and in such great numbers. Trading posts that served the military, Native Americans, travelers on the Oregon, California and Mormon trails and residents of the ever expanding towns and villages received incredibly varied goods. Building materials, tools, clothing, food, medicines and machine parts just scrapes the surface. Surprisingly there were many items that would be considered luxuries in any setting, much less on the "frontier".
Access to this picture of mid-1800s culture is due to a submerged walnut tree that "snagged" the Arabia and punctured its hull. The passengers were able to get to shore safely. The Arabia, though, quickly sank in the mud not to be seen again until 1988. Excavated by a group of local treasure hunters, many of the artifacts from the steamer are now on display at the Arabia Steamboat Museum in the River Market in Kansas City, Missouri. This most amazing find is the largest collection of pre-Civil War objects yet found.
The Arabia's bounty is a catalyst for understanding the power of the river systems to move people and things long distances. Follow the links below or on the side panel for the story:
1. 1856
2. Moving West
3. The Missouri River
4. Steamboats
5. Steamboat Arabia
6. Mythical West
For the Bibliography click here, or the button at the top.
