Stories of America’s Past
Welcome to America Comes Alive!, a site I created to share little-known stories of regular people who made a difference and changed the course of history. Look around and see what inspires you! — Kate Kelly
On
This
Day
On April 27, 1865, the steamboat Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River, killing 1,700 passengers. During the Civil War, the Sultana carried troops along the lower Mississippi. On this trip, the steamboat left New Orleans, stopping at Vicksburg for repairs. The captain took on many Union soldiers heading north as the government paid well for them. They were soon carrying more than six times capacity. Just above Memphis, the boiler blew, killing hundreds. Only 600 people survived.
Women Leaders
Loretta Walsh: First Woman to Enlist in Navy
Helen Gahagan Douglas (1900-1980) Actress Turned Congressperson
- Elected as Democratic National Committeewoman from California
- Elected to the House of Representatives in 1944, becoming only one of nine women to serve in the House at that time.
Hazel Bishop (1906-1998), Research Chemist Who Made Name in Cosmetics
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Welcome to America Comes Alive!, a site I created to share little-known stories of regular people who made a difference and changed the course of history. Look around and see what inspires you! — Kate Kelly