Ep 3. Kansas City – A Remarkable Discovery in Kansas
Welcome to the treasure hunt of a lifetime! In this adventure, we’re diving into the fascinating story of how a group of five men discovered a treasure trove buried deep in a Kansas cornfield. Today, we’re in Kansas City visiting the Steamboat Arabia Museum to uncover the history behind this sunken vessel and its incredible recovery. Let’s explore the largest collection of pre-Civil War artifacts in the world!
Growing Up with the Thrill of the Hunt
Growing up, my dad and I would always stop at antique shops and yard sales, hunting for coins, cards, stamps, and any collectibles we could find. Over the years, I’ve learned to recognize that feeling—the thrill of the hunt. So, when my friend Gary told me about this place, I was all in. I wanted to know the whole story of the lost treasure and share it with you all.
Adventure Begins: Steamboat Arabia Museum
Hey there! I’m Lydia Kean, and I’m on a three-month work trip traveling around the country in my camper van. Between gigs, I’m exploring the most interesting places in America, and today, Gary—a fellow van lifer and talented photographer—has joined me for a visit to the Steamboat Arabia Museum. He’s kindly let me camp out on his property while I’m passing through. Before we hit the road, we brewed up some coffee, swapped stories, and even learned how to drive a tractor!
A Steamboat’s Last Voyage
I had no idea what I was about to see at the museum, but Gary promised me I’d love it. The Steamboat Arabia, built in 1853, was a 171-foot side-wheel steamboat that transported passengers and cargo along the Missouri River. On September 5th, 1856, the steamboat struck a tree trunk and sank, but miraculously, all 130 passengers and crew survived. However, more than 200 tons of cargo were lost to the river, including goods like food, tools, and personal items.
The Quest to Find the Steamboat
The search for the Steamboat Arabia began in the 1980s, when Bob Holly, an air conditioning repairman, noticed pictures of steamboats and maps in a client’s home. This piqued his curiosity, and together with his sons Greg and David, they began researching old records. Using maps, local stories, and a metal detector, they pinpointed the likely location of the Arabia—buried in a Kansas cornfield, far from the Missouri River.
Despite previous failed attempts by others, the landowner allowed Bob and his team to excavate. And after drilling a test hole, they hit wood—deep beneath the field. With excitement, they started digging, and after months of hard work, they unearthed the ship and an incredible treasure trove of 1850s artifacts, perfectly preserved in the mud.
The Massive Excavation Process
The excavation was no small feat. They encountered an underground river beneath the site, so to keep the area dry, they used 20 irrigation pumps to remove 20,000 gallons of water per minute. The excavation lasted from November 1988 to February 1989, and their efforts unearthed an astonishing 200 tons of cargo, including everyday items like shoes, tools, and personal belongings—all remarkably well-preserved.
Preserving History: The Artifacts of the Arabia
Today, these artifacts are on display at the Steamboat Arabia Museum, offering a rare glimpse into life in the 1850s. The collection is the largest of its kind, showcasing the fascinating stories of trade, survival, and everyday life during the pre-Civil War era. You can even watch the team still working to preserve the thousands of shoes and other artifacts recovered from the wreck. Some of these items are still being carefully restored and could take another 10 to 12 years to fully preserve.
The Engine and Boiler: Preserved Maritime History
One of the most remarkable pieces is the ship’s boiler and engine, which remain fixed to the ship. The engine is one of the oldest known maritime steam engines, and it’s incredible to see it preserved for future generations. The discovery of the Steamboat Arabia is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in American history.
A Lost Treasure Comes to Life
Walking through the museum, I couldn’t help but feel that same excitement I had as a child hunting for gems in antique shops. The artifacts on display here are not just relics—they are stories that connect us to the people who lived along the Missouri River in the 1850s. It’s a reminder of how a little curiosity can go such a long way.
If you’re a lover of history and find yourself in Kansas City, the Steamboat Arabia Museum is a must-see. Who knows? Maybe, like me, you’ll get a taste of the treasure hunter within you
What’s Next?
Now that we’ve wrapped up an incredible adventure at the museum, it’s time for me to head out to Colorado. I’ll be camping out at a truck stop along the way, and I can’t wait to share what’s next in this journey! Stay tuned for next week’s episode—more adventures as we travel westward, more stories, and a whole lot of synchronicity!
Thanks for joining me on this epic adventure! Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more road trip tales and discoveries.
