Steamboat Arabia mid 1850s cargo

[boilerplatejackson]

For those of you who live to far from the junctions of the Kansas and Missouri rivers here is a web site with photos from the Steamboat Arabia Museum. This museum contains what has to be the largest collection of mid 1850s everyday artifacts
anywhere in the world. May these photos help further you Plainsman Impression and Diversity.


www.pbase.com/hockingphotos/steamboat_arabia 

[The Irish Mick]

Boilerplate, etal.
My ex and I were on a research project to the Arabia for my company back in the early 90's.  We were allowed to get behind the scenes, and actually handle many of the artifacts.  Incredible!  Now, many of the tin wear items included in your photos are currently being manufactured, and I will try to get the dealer information out to the forum member shortly.  One thing that we did NOT see were 'muckets'!!!  Great pictures.  Those folks really did an outstanding job of displaying, much more than when we were there.  Many thanks for posting.

-The Irish Mick
Arizona Territory

[Tascosa Joe]

One of the items that I did not see on the Arabia was Colt pistols.  I have not checked the on line photo's but my wife and I were privileged with being able to go to the museum twice.  It is an amazing collection.

[St. George]

They did a book, and a History Channel special, as well - titled 'Treasure in a Cornfield'.

Great museum, and well worth the time.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[boilerplatejackson]

Yes the Hawley family is receptive to allowing individuals, doing research, to go behind the glass displays.
And that privlidge is by appointment only. Since the collection represents the time frame we wish to portray,
I thought it relevant to post the photo site.

[Fingers McGee]

There is another steamboat excavation museum at the Desoto National Wildlife Refuge on Highway 30 between Missouri Valley, Iowa and Blair, Nebraska.  The steamboat Bertrand sank on 1 April 1865 and was excavated in 1968/69.  The excavation site and Museum are within the Wildlife Refuge.

I've been to both, and the artifacts on display in each museum are fantastic.

[Major 2]

Its one of those, I should'a' been kicked in the BUTT moments....

I was in KC for the NCOWS convention, heard about the Museum when I got there, even had some though of going.

Did not get around to it        I don't know if I'll ever get back to KC  ( I flew out for the convention )

DoH !

[The Irish Mick]

Gentlemen,
While we are still discussing the cargo of the steamboat Arabia I would like to add this.  If you are looking to up grade your table furniture to more HC items, or get started procuring your HC tin ware, I recommend Mr. Carl Giordano tinsmith.  If you take the time to look over the photos that Boilerplate has posted, and then check out Mr. Giordano's offerings you will be amazed at the similarity.  His tin ware is spot on, and the prices are great, and he is well known for his HC tin ware.  I have no affiliation with him, but have seen no better tinsmith than Mr. Giordano.
tinsnip@cg-tinsmith.com

-The Irish Mick
Arizona Territory

P.S. Aye Boilerplate send me a signal so that I can send you the research that you requested.

[Tascosa Joe]

The address for Mr Giordano is an email address rather than a web site or catalog, was that intentional?

[River City John]

Just enter www.cg-tinsmith.com and took to website.

[boilerplatejackson]

From reading the book "Treasure in a Corn Field" I learned that much of the Steamboat Arabia's cargo was headed for Nebraska City to off load. The prefab buildings on the lower deck I think were headed for a town called Logan, Nebraska. Those folks were
planning to put together the prefab buildings and houses to have a warm winter start. Instead they had to winter in their tents.

Another case of Pilot error. The boat was headed for Parkville, Mo for the night, but it got dark on the Pilot before he got there. He
could see the lights of the town, but probably not the turbulence of the snag in the river. Lucky for everyone that the boat sank in fairly shallow water as the boilers never got flooded.

[Tornado]

I just finished 'Treasure in a Cornfield', I am so amazed they were able to recover so many items is such good condition.  My favorite were the pickles, after pulling the jar out of the ground they cracked open the jar and enjoyed a 132 year old sweet pickle!

[Tsalagidave]

They also took perfume from the wreck and had it analyzed and reproduced by a major perfume company to produce 1856 brand perfume if I'm not mistaken. Great gift for the lady living historian.

The Arabia and Bertrand are such amazing time capsules. They have been a God-send to the reenactors of this period.

-Dave

[St8LineLeatherSmith]

WOW  all the artifacts are so amazingly preserved 

[Niederlander]

I will happily second all the accolades above.  I got to see the museum with my family this week, and it's everything I'd heard about and better!  Definitely need to see the Arabia!  (AND the Bertrand, for that matter.  Nothing like seeing what was actually there at the time!)