On This Date: Sunday School Tragedy

On this date in 1904 more than 1,000 people on a Sunday School outing died in New York City's East River, one of the worst maritime disasters in U.S. history.

A riverboat-style steamer called the General Slocum was carrying a group of 1,360 children and teachers from St. Mark's German Lutheran Church for their annual Sunday School picnic.

When fire broke out, the captain and crew made a series of poor decisions that resulted in the deaths of 1,031 by drowning, fire, or being trampled to death.

The tragedy led to reforms that would prevent such tragedies recurring.

Today Is Flag Day

This is one of many flags I photographed in Joplin shortly after the tornado that killed 151 people last month.

Joplin Tornado 2011 Part 1

Survey of the destruction left behind by the F5 tornado that leveled a broad swath of Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011. Death toll stood at 151 on June 8.



Photography by Ken Horn

Joplin, MO, Post-Tornado

I traveled to Joplin, Missouri, yesterday with Frank Vice of AGWM. He brought his pick-up and did some work for Convoy of Hope's efforts there.


St. John's Hospital, Joplin, Post-Tornado


This fire broke out among the ruins nearly two weeks after the tornado hit.


Fire engines and other emergency vehicles were quickly on the scene.

Relief Efforts Continue in Joplin