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Home Illinois Tazewell County Pekin Historical Markers The Steamboat Columbia Disaster

The Steamboat Columbia Disaster

Pekin, IL , USA

Latitude & Longitude: 40° 34' 19.139988", -89° 39' 8.64"
  Illinois IL State Historical Marker
Illinois State
Historical Marker

 
On July 5, 1918, the steamboat Columbia sank upstream from this spot near what was then Wesley City. What began as one of the season's premier social events ended in tragedy. The Pekin South Side Social Club sponsored the ornate sternwheeler's ill-fated voyage. Beginning in Kingston Mines, some 500 passengers boarded it for a trip to Al Fresco Amusement Park in Peoria. On the return trip, as festivities were in full swing, a hole was torn in the Columbia's hull and it sank. The deceased were brought to this riverfront for identification. Of the 87 who died, 57 were from Pekin.

Last updated: 2/14/2015 15:17:00
 
   
 
 
The Steamboat Columbia Disaster Historical Marker Location Map, Pekin, Illinois Map