1875: Tow-boat hits Hannibal railroad bridge; nine lives lost

A disastrous collision – nine lives lost

The Times, Philadelphia, Pa. April 18, 1875, newspapers.com

St. Louis. April 17. The tow-boat Dictator, belonging to this city, collided with the bridge at Hannibal, Missouri, this morning, and was completely wrecked. Harry Young, the clerk, and eight of the crew, whose names are not reported, were drowned.

Photo shows an undated image of the Hannibal railroad bridge at Hannibal. Steve Chou collection