SS Saluda Steamboat Explosion

USA / Missouri / Lexington /
 monument, historical layer / disappeared object
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SS Saluda exploded in in 1852 on the Missouri River just outside the dock and town of Lexington, Missouri. The boiler explosion killed over a hundred people. Body parts and dead were flung onto the bluffs and even into town. The cause of the explosion was a boiler breech caused by overheating when the captain, after several days and attempts, was trying to get around the Missouri River bend.

The citizens of the town were recognized for their Christian charity and took care of the survivors, even adopting children whom lost their parents. There were 69 Mormons on board whom were moving west, by Missouri decree, and a majority were killed in the explosion. BYU made a great 27-minute documentary of the explosion that can be found at:
worldwideweb.mormonhistoricsitesfoundation.org/projects/saluda_video.htm
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   39°11'24"N   93°53'34"W
This article was last modified 14 years ago