The Sea Wing Disaster

by Frederick L. Johnson

Genres: Nonfiction

115 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1986

About the author

Frederick L. Johnson was an educator in St. Paul, MN, and is an award-winning author of 7 books and numerous articles relating to different aspects of Minnesota history.

Reviews

[Beth Brekke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an immense tragedy that will never be forgotten, especially in the area where it happened. I think there is a hunger for as much information as we can get about how an accident occurred and the lives of those lost and the survivors. It's hard to satisfactorily feed our curiosity when the event happened so long ago. A great deal of research went into writing this book and I think it was as well done as possible and puts so much information into one place. No doubt the investigation spurred improved design and competence in river craft and I'm thankful for today's better weather forecasting ability.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This great little book covers the Sea Wing Disaster that took place on Lake Pepin near Red Wing, MN on July 13, 1890. There is nothing else to compare it to because this is the only book I could find on the subject. I wish there had been more information about the people involved and where the victims are all buried, but I suppose it just means I can go have more adventures in cemeteries. This is a good read for anyone interested in the Sea Wing or the history of the area.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and complete detailed report of the controversial issues surrounding this horrific event.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well-researched and well-written book about the Sea Wing disaster of 1890. Since I live in an area not too far from where this all took place, it had special interest for me.

[Mike Brubaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book documents the maritime disaster of the Sea Wing, a steamer capsizing on Lake Pepin, Minnesota on July 13, 1890. Described as the in land equivalent to the Titanic, 98 of the 215 passengers were killed as straight line winds destroyed the boat and the barge that was attached.

Frederick Johnson has written and interesting book. I couldn't help comparing it to Walter Lord's A Night to Remember, about the Titanic. Taken side-by-side, the two do not favorably compare. Yet, Johnson presents significant research and understanding of the Lake Pepin disaster. A quick read that left me wanting more details, this is a pretty good book to study the dangers of river boats on the Mississippi River.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well-written account of the steamship Sea Wing, which, in July 1890, capsized on the Mississippi when it was struck by a tornado, killing 98 people. It reminded me of the General Slocum disaster, because the passengers of the Sea Wing were on an excursion and expected only a day of fun. The General Slocum passengers were also on an excursion, to an island near NYC for a picnic, when the ship caught fire and many people were burned or drowned. Combine this book with Edward O'Donnell's Ship Ablaze: the Tragedy of the Steamboat General Slocum. Recommended for those who like to read about disasters and shipwrecks.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sea Wing Disaster has always fascinated, basically Minnesota's version of the Titanic. Mr. Johnson does a great job recounting what lead up to the disaster, as well as what occurred during and after. Stories of individuals on the ill-fated pleasure cruise are told by the individuals themselves and family members. Photos of the disaster, as well as locations involved then and now add to the reading experience.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stearns History Museum book club