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Built in 1853 on the banks of the Monongahela River in Brownsville, PA, about 25 miles south of Pittsburgh, she was 171 feet in length and
had a width of 29 feet, capable of carrying a full 222 tons of cargo. She was a wood burner, using up to 30 cords each day.
“Captain Terrill will leave for all points on the Missouri between St. Joseph and Sioux City today at 4 o'clock PM.
Mr. Boyd is clerk on the Arabia. Passengers will find everything to their liking on board.” The St. Louis Missouri Republican. August 30, 1856..
Another routine trip for the Arabia had begun. Departing St. Louis the heavily loaded Arabia again headed up the Missouri River.
After a short stop at the town of Kansas, (now Kansas City), she again started heading upriver. The Arabia never made another port-of-call.
Less than one hour above Kansas City at Quindaro Bend, the steamboat Arabia met her fate.
A large undetected walnut tree below the water level ripped through the Arabia's hull smashing crates of cargo packed inside.
Within seconds, thousands of gallons of muddy Missouri River water rushed inside, flooding the boiler and cargo deck,
which contained over 200 tons of cargo destined for frontier merchants. Fortunately no loss of life had occurred.
For Those interested in more details about the Steamship Arabia, here are some references:
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