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Crawford, Cohen, Boozman, Cotton, introduce bill to mint coin memorializing Sultana Disaster

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Ill-fated vessel’s final voyage occurred 158 years ago Saturday

By Wyly Bigger

Sultana Historical Preservation Society

Marion, Ark. – Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Steve Cohen (TN-09), along with U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR), introduced legislation to create a commemorative coin in remembrance of the greatest maritime disaster in U.S. History – the sinking of the Sultana Steamboat. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the coin will help fund the preservation, maintenance and display of artifacts at the Sultana Disaster Museum, as well as assist in the construction of the new and larger facility.

“The tragedy of the Sultana is one that is often forgotten about, but it serves as an important reminder of our past and the lives that were lost,” said Crawford. “This bill helps fund the efforts of those at the Sultana Disaster Museum who have dedicated their time to telling this story and keeping the memory of the victims alive. I’m proud to work with my friend Steve Cohen to bring awareness about what happened to long ago, during that horrible time of extreme fracture and violence, where brother fought against brother. I hope that Steve and my working together, across the aisle, for this shared purpose can show Americans that brighter days are always in front of us.”

“The Sultana disaster and loss of life in the Mississippi River within sight of Memphis in 1865 deserves the commemoration this coin represents,” said Cohen. “Americans should know of the sacrifice made by so many in the tragic days as the Civil War finally drew to an end, as well as the senseless negligence that caused it. I’m pleased to work with my friend Rick Crawford, who represents the Crittenden County graveyard of the historic steamship northwest of Memphis, and hope our efforts bring further attention to this tragic footnote in American history.”

“As community support for the Sultana Disaster Museum continues to grow, we’re carrying the momentum in Congress by introducing this legislation to preserve the history of this tragedy and honor the victims and survivors with a commemorative coin,” said Boozman. “I’m proud to join this initiative to ensure both are forever remembered.”

“This coin will continue to honor the victims and raise awareness about one of the worst tragedies in our military’s history,” said Cotton.

“It is an important piece of history that I’m proud to join the Arkansas delegation in remembering.”

This legislation would authorize the U.S. Department of Treasury to mint in 2027 $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins and half-dollar coins.

See SULTANA, page A13 SULTANA

From page A1

“The Commemorative Coin Program of the United States Mint was established to recognize and memorialize certain significant people and events in American history,” Board President John Fogleman said. “The Sultana disaster is the deadliest maritime disaster in American history yet few Americans know about it. It is time for the Sultana disaster to take its rightful place in history and a Commemorative Coin by the U.S. Mint will go a long way toward that goal.”

The Board sincerely appreciates the efforts of our Congressman, Rick Crawford, and Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen along with Senators Boozman and Cotton to see that a Sultana Commemorative Coin Bill becomes law.

About the Sultana Historical Preservation Society

The Sultana Historical Preservation Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in charge of the Sultana Disaster Museum and all projects and fundraising related to the new facility.

About The Sultana Disaster Museum

The Sultana Disaster Museum tells the story of the tragedy that occurred on April 27, 1865, and the events that led up to that fateful night. The museum is committed to telling the full story of the steamboat, from its construction to its destruction and beyond. Stories of the men who were freed from Andersonville and Cahaba prisoner of war camps and how and why they were grossly overcrowded onto one steamboat are told in great detail. Compelling accounts from the victims on board the Sultana, rescuers along the Mississippi River, as well as many Union officers involved in the selection and overcrowding of the boat are on display in the museum. For more information, please email John Fogleman at foglemanforcourt @yahoo.com or visit https://www.sultanadisastermuseum. com/. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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