The Steamboat Arabia was built in West Brownsville, Pennsylvania, in 1853. The Arabia traveled the Missouri river to transport passengers and carried up to 222 tons of cargo, such as federal mail, tools for the frontier, merchandise for general stores. Navigating the Missouri river was a difficult and often dangerous business. On September 5, 1856, just outside of modern day Kansas City, the Arabia hit a fallen tree hidden from sight and sank in a matter of minutes. The 150 passengers and crew made it off the sinking the boat.

The 200 tons of cargo however was lost to the river. Not to be seen for over 130 years.

In 1988 Bob Hawley, his sons David and Greg, along with Jerry Mackey, and David Luttrell began researching the Arabia. After a four-and-a-half month excavation the largest collection of pre-Civil War artifacts in the world was recovered. 

Some believed gold and fine china was on board, but some of the artifacts uncovered included preserved food, beads, liquor, clothing, weaponry, and tools. Giving viewers a look inside the world of 1856 with these everyday items.