Sultana Disaster Museum receives $1 million federal grant

Little Rock, Arkansas — The Sultana Disaster Museum on Tuesday received a $1 million grant from the American Rescue Plan.

Garland and Saline counties each received $1 million grants from the ARP to develop trail systems.

In order for the museum to receive the grant, locals had to put up a $250,000 match.

The project will create 90 jobs and generate $200,000 in private investments.

“President Biden knows that the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sector is a critical driver for our nation’s economy,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo said. “These EDA investments will create new tourism destinations across the state of Arkansas, attracting new visitors to the state and providing opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive.”

The boat still rests below a soybean field in the county. It carried Union soldiers that had been captured during the war. It’s estimated that 1,800 people were on the boat more than six times the suggested number.

It’s believed the boilers exploded due to the weight of the passengers. The incident was quickly forgotten and to this day is known by very few.