The Sultana Disaster is the largest maritime disaster in U.S. History.
A few days before the sinking; the Sultana put in for boiler repairs. The repairs were hastily made; and are believed to have contributed to the disaster.
The maximum number of passengers allowable for the Sultana was around 380 to 400.
The hundreds of burned, but still living casualties that were brought to Memphis; were cared for, and pitied by the former Confederate residents of the area.
Corruption amongst the crew of the Sultana was what lead to ship being so over-loaded. The owners and the officers would get paid by the government for each soldier they carried.