A ship lost for 132 years discovered beneath a cornfield

Two intrepid treasure seekers were excavating frozen ground in a cornfield on a rainy night, with lightning flashing all around them. Despite the adverse conditions, they continued their work undeterred. Suddenly, their shovels struck something solid. Could it be? A treasure chest buried deep beneath the Kansas City fields? Not quite. Instead, they unearthed a piece of a ship's engine, a surprising discovery far from any seas or lakes.

The story of finding a sunken ship in unexpected places like a Kansas cornfield is not as rare as one might think. Some individuals dedicate their lives to uncovering such buried treasures, and among them is explorer David Holly. For years, David has been fascinated by the thrill of adventure associated with discovering sunken ships far inland. These ships often hold promises of chests filled with gold, antiques, and other valuable artifacts, potentially worth a fortune.

But how do ships end up buried beneath fields, farms, and plains? Take, for example, the case of the steamboat Great White Arabia. Historical records and local legends suggested that this vessel sank in 1856 while carrying about 200 tons of treasure. Its demise was linked to changes in the Missouri River's course, deliberately altered in the late 19th century to narrow the riverbeds and increase water flow speed. This engineering feat aimed to facilitate faster navigation for steamboats, which were crucial for transporting goods and passengers before the advent of railroads.

On September 5, 1856, Arabia encountered disaster when it struck a submerged log, causing it to sink swiftly. Fortunately, all passengers were evacuated safely, but the ship and its cargo were lost to the silted river bottom. Over time, sediment accumulated, burying Arabia deeper beneath the riverbed. Decades later, what was once a bustling waterway became a peaceful cornfield, unbeknownst to its owner.

David Holly's quest to find Arabia began with meticulous research. He scoured old newspapers for clues, studied historical maps of the Missouri River, and employed advanced techniques like electromagnetic testing and soil analysis to pinpoint the ship's location. By the fall of 1988, after extensive efforts and considerable financial investment, David and his team identified Arabia buried 45 feet underground, the size of a football field.

Securing permission from the landowner, the team embarked on an ambitious excavation project. Their efforts were not in vain as they unearthed the ship's engines, boilers, and deck. While they didn't find chests of gold as rumored, the artifacts they discovered provided a remarkable glimpse into the past. Well-preserved household items, clothing, utensils, and even a pair of rubber shoes marked with the Goodyear stamp were among the treasures salvaged from Arabia's cargo hold.

Rather than sell these historical treasures for profit, David and his team established a museum in Kansas City, where visitors could experience a slice of 19th-century life. The museum showcases thousands of artifacts, from everyday items to rare antiques, offering a unique journey back in time.

In another instance, archaeologists stumbled upon an ancient underground city in Turkey during renovations in 1963. Behind a basement wall, they discovered a tunnel leading to a sprawling city built between 780 and 1180 AD. This subterranean marvel housed chapels, schools, stables, and public kitchens, revealing a hidden civilization crafted to withstand natural disasters and invaders.

These stories of unexpected discoveries—from sunken ships in cornfields to ancient cities beneath modern homes—underscore the tantalizing allure of history hidden beneath our feet. They remind us that beneath the surface of everyday landscapes lies a wealth of untold stories and treasures waiting to be unearthed, offering a glimpse into humanity's rich and varied past.

If you found these tales intriguing, consider sharing them with others who appreciate a good adventure into the unknown. Whether buried beneath a Kansas cornfield or tucked away beneath a Turkish basement, these discoveries invite us to explore and celebrate the wonders of our shared history.