In March 1852, Saluda left St. Louis for Council Bluffs, Iowa, carrying many Mormon immigrants from England and Wales.
The river was muddy, icy, and running high as Saluda stopped at Lexington for supplies before continuing her journey.
Just beyond Lexington, a narrow channel with very strong currents made it difficult for ships to make a sharp turn in the river.
On Good Friday morning, 9 April 1852, Captain Belt, frustrated by the lack of progress, ordered an increase in steam pressure.
Over 100 people were killed, including Captain Belt, many of the passengers, and two men on shore who were hit by debris.