Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Barry Swackhamer
Taken: May 26, 2014
Caption: The Bertrand Excavation Site
Additional Description: The Bertrand: Sunken Treasure

In 1969, salvors seeking a treasure of mercury, gold, and whiskey discovered the remains of the 19th century steamboat Bertrand at this site. While unsuccessful in finding the anticipated amount of mercury, gold or whiskey, the salvage crew uncovered a priceless historical treasure: mining tools, household items, clothing, preserved foods. blasting powder, ammunition, and agricultural implements still intact in the ship’s hold.
The cargo recovered from the boat is preserved and displayed in the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Caption: The Bertrand was a mountain steamer, built in late 1864 for the Missouri River trade to the gold fields of Montana. Its shallow hull measuring 161 feet from stem to stern was designed for navigating among the sandbars and snags of the Big Muddy.
Submitted: June 3, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
Database Locator Identification Number: p274930
File Size: 3.524 Megabytes

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