Downtown Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The Sultana Disaster

Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 8, 2018

1. The Sultana Disaster Marker

Inscription. One of the worst maritime disasters in world history occurred 7 miles north of Memphis on April 27, 1865, when the steamer Sultana exploded and burned with the loss of over 1,547 lives. Built to carry only 376 passengers, the Sultana had over 2,300 on board at the time of the disaster. Most were Union soldiers from Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Virginia, who were on their way home following their release from the Confederate prisons at Andersonville and Cahaba.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 93.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 27, 1865.

Location. 35° 8.878′ N, 90° 3.302′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. Marker can be reached from Riverside Drive west of Jefferson Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker was relocated 400 feet north from its original location (35.147035N, 90.05561W) in Mississippi River Park (formerly Jefferson Davis Park). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 51 Riverside Drive, Memphis TN 38103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Adams, Mississippi/Old River Control Structure/Homochitto Cutoff (within shouting distance of this marker); Mud Island (within shouting distance of this marker); Mississippi River Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cobblestone Landing (about 400 feet away); U.S. Supreme Court Rules On Overton Park and I-40 (about 400 feet away); Confederate Park (about 400 feet away); Virginia ("Ginnie") Bethel Moon (about 400 feet away); Elizabeth Avery Meriwether (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Wikipedia article on the Sultana. (Submitted on April 15, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

View of marker looking across Wolf River Harbor & Mud Island. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 8, 2018

2. View of marker looking across Wolf River Harbor & Mud Island.

View of marker looking south towards Joe Curtis Point and the Mississippi River. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 8, 2018

3. View of marker looking south towards Joe Curtis Point and the Mississippi River.

The Sultana Disaster Marker (new location) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 23, 2023

4. The Sultana Disaster Marker (new location)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 23, 2023

5. The Sultana Disaster Marker (new location)

Photo of the Sultana taken at Helena, Arkansas, on April 26, 1865, a day before she was destroyed. image. Click for full size.

Public domain (Thomas W. Bankes)

6. Photo of the Sultana taken at Helena, Arkansas, on April 26, 1865, a day before she was destroyed.

The view captures a large crowd of paroled Union prisoners packed tightly together on the steamboat's decks.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,095 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 14, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 4, 5. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 6. submitted on April 14, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.