Shadows of the Sultana: The Civil War's Forgotten Tragedy

On April 27, 1865, as America celebrated the end of its bloodiest conflict, an overlooked tragedy unfolded on the Mississippi River. The Sultana, a steamboat packed with recently freed Union prisoners of war, erupted in flames and sank into the dark waters, claiming more lives than the sinking of the Titanic. Yet somehow, this devastating maritime disaster faded into the shadows of history."Shadows of the Sultana" uncovers the heartbreaking story of America's deadliest maritime disaster, a tragedy that claimed over 1,800 lives just days after the Civil War's end. Through meticulous research and haunting survivor accounts, this compelling narrative reveals:How overcrowding, corruption, and negligence led to catastropheThe personal stories of soldiers who survived Confederate prison camps only to face death on their journey homeThe heroic rescue efforts that saved hundreds of lives in the cold Mississippi watersWhy this devastating event became overshadowed by Lincoln's assassination and the war's endThe lasting impact on maritime safety regulations and river transportationDrawing from newly discovered documents, survivor testimonies, and official records, this gripping account brings to life the forgotten voices of those aboard the Sultana. From the desperate moments of the explosion to the aftermath that changed maritime history, readers will discover a pivotal moment in American history that deserves to be remembered.Perfect for:Civil War history enthusiastsMaritime history buffsReaders interested in forgotten chapters of American historyStudents of military and transportation historyAnyone seeking to understand the human cost of warDive into this meticulously researched account of courage, tragedy, and the quest for justice in post-Civil War America. "Shadows of the Sultana" ensures that this forgotten tragedy and its victims will finally receive their rightful place in history.