The Steamboats of Missouri - Steamboat Arabia & Steamboat Malta

In this episode of Missouri Mayhem, Mystery and Murder, hosts Mindy and Megan explore the intriguing history of two steamboats, the Arabia and the Malta, both of which met their fate on the Missouri River. The discussion delves into the cultural and historical significance of these vessels, the dangers of river travel in the 1800s, and the fascinating discoveries made during the excavation of the Arabia. The episode also touches on the ongoing mystery of the Malta and its impact on river navigation and safety.

REFERENCE LIST

Primary & Historical Sources

• “The Steamboat Arabia: A Time Capsule of Frontier Life.” Arabia Steamboat Museum publications.
• Gilman, D.C. The Steamboat Arabia and Its Artifacts. Kansas City Historical Society, 1992.
• Chittenden, H.M. History of Early Steamboat Navigation on the Missouri River. A.C. McClurg & Co., 1903.
• Army Corps of Engineers. Snag Removal Reports on the Missouri River, 1830–1870. U.S. Government Archives.
• Parkville Luminary Newspaper, 1856 contemporary accounts of the Arabia sinking.
• Missouri Republican (St. Louis). September 1856 reporting on the Arabia disaster.
• Merchant journals from the Missouri River Fur Trade, 1839–1848, including accounts referencing the Malta sinking.
• Peterson, Charles. “Graveyard of the Missouri River Steamboats.” Missouri Historical Review, 1978.

Secondary Sources

• Holleman, Jason. Lost Steamboats of the Missouri. Prairie River Press, 2007.
• Kane, M.J. Steamboats West: The Untold Story of America’s River Empires. Riverbend Books, 2011.
• National Park Service. “Steamboat Wrecks on the Missouri River.”
• Kansas City Public Library – Steamboat Arabia digital archives.