Episodes Located: SHELBY, Tennessee in the 1830's

  1. Steamboat Explosion Rattles Legislation
    date February 24, 1830map SHELBY, Tennesseetags Agriculture, Economy, Government, Health/Death, Law, Migration/Transportation

    With a sound "resembling the discharge of a small piece of artillery" and "the rushing sound of steam, and the rattling of glass", the starboard boiler on the steamboat Helen McGregor exploded on February 24, 1830 on the Memphis waterfront. In The Mariner's Chronicle, one gentleman on board described the scene in the boiler room as a "complete wreck - a picture of destruction". He witnessed...