Time capsule, 1856

[Oregon Bill]

Many of you are undoubtedly well acquainted with this resource -- especially those who live in the Midwest, but the artifacts salvaged from the wreck of the steamboat Arabia, which sank in the Missouri River in 1856, are a window on the heart of our period. I won't be getting to the museum anytime soon, so I order the book on the salvage.
Here's the Web site:
http://www.1856.com/
I had heard of the wreck years ago, but only paid attention to its potential as a living history resource after being reminded of it on Tim Bender's hat site. He offers a pair of hats modeled on those excavated from the Arabia.

[Tascosa Joe]

My wife and I had the opportunity to visit the museum while at the NCOWS Convention in KC.  We plan on returning soon.  The convention has moved to a location outside of Louisville, KY.  We wont make it back to the Arabia this year, but there are many new museums to explore in that area.  I have seen some of them as I made it thru Fort Knox on several assignments but the wife has not.

[JimBob]

Here's another site with pictures of the recovered artifacts from the Arabia-


http://www.pbase.com/hockingphotos/steamboat_arabia

[Oregon Bill]

JimBob: I owe you beers for that link.

[Tornado]

I am amazed that some of that stuff survived in such good condition !

[Oregon Bill]

Tornado: That's what makes this cargo of everyday clothing, footwear and houseware items so valuable. If it was on the Arabia, it's good for 1856.

[The Elderly Kid]

This is a tribute to the restoration abilities of modern archaeologists. Think what those hats and boots must have looked like when they came out of the mud. Now they look like they belong in the shop window.

[Chaparosa]

If it was on the Arabia, it's good for 1856.

The Arabia's selection of pocket knives is interesting. Jack knives, Congress patterns and Barlows, with wood, bone, horn or stag handles, were staples of everyday use and carry.

[Oregon Bill]

Chap. Nice photo. Look at all those sheep's foots!