M.E. Norman facts for kids
The M.E. Norman was a special kind of steamboat used by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. It had a big paddlewheel at the back to help it move through the water. In 1925, the M.E. Norman sank in the Mississippi River. A brave river worker named Tom Lee, who couldn't even swim, became a hero that day. He saved 32 people from the water!
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| Name | M.E. Norman |
| Launched | 1924 |
| Fate | Sank, May 8, 1925 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Steamboat |
| Length | 113 ft (34 m) |
| Beam | 26 ft (7.9 m) |
| Capacity | 65 passengers |
| Complement | 10 |
Contents
What Was the M.E. Norman?
The M.E. Norman was a steamboat built in Morgan City, Louisiana in 1924. It was called a "sternwheel" steamboat because its big paddlewheel was at the back, or "stern," of the ship. The boat was 113 ft (34 m) long and 26 ft (7.9 m) wide. It could carry up to 65 passengers and had a crew of 10 people. The United States Army Corps of Engineers operated this ship.
A Heroic Rescue: The Sinking of the M.E. Norman
On May 8, 1925, the M.E. Norman was taking people on a fun sightseeing tour. These passengers were attending a big meeting in Memphis. As the ship sailed near Cow Island Bend in the Mississippi River, something went wrong. The boat started rocking from side to side. Then, it quickly flipped over and sank.
A 39-year-old river worker named Tom Lee was nearby in his small motorboat, the Zev. He was the only person who saw the M.E. Norman sink. Even though Tom Lee could not swim himself, he bravely rushed to help. He used his small boat to rescue 32 passengers from the river. He made many trips back and forth, searching for survivors all through the night. Twenty other people were able to swim to safety on their own.
Sadly, some passengers and crew members did not survive the sinking. The wreck of the M.E. Norman was found a few days later. However, attempts to pull it out of the water were not successful. Investigators tried to find out why the ship sank, but they never found a clear answer.
Discovering Clues from the Past
In 1998, workers were tearing down an old bridge. They found a special "time capsule" filled with items from the M.E. Norman. This capsule had been buried in May 1936 and then forgotten. Inside, they found an Army Corps of Engineers flag from the ship. There were also old newspaper articles about the sinking. Passenger lists, photos, and letters related to the event were also discovered. These items were saved and put on display in an exhibit called "Time In A Capsule."
Remembering a Hero: Tom Lee Park
Tom Lee Park in Memphis, Tennessee, is named after the brave rescuer, Tom Lee. In October 2006, a beautiful bronze sculpture was placed in the park. This statue helps people remember the amazing rescue and honor Tom Lee, a true civil hero.
