Leonardtown, MD – St. Mary's County Government proudly announces Karen Stone, Manager of the Museum Division within the Department of Recreation & Parks, as the soon-to-be published author of the inaugural book detailing the Black Diamond Disaster. This forgotten tragedy unfolded on the Potomac River near St. Clement's Island during the American Civil War, amidst the hunt for presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth.
The synopsis of Stone's forthcoming book sheds light on a tale often overlooked even within the local community. It challenges the narrative that no lives were lost during the pursuit of Booth, revealing the harsh realities faced by those living along the Potomac River during the turbulent 1860s.
Before the Black Diamond calamity, the privately owned Massachusetts (also known as JWD Pentz) had made several excursions for the Potomac Flotilla without incident.
The book, slated for release in 2025, will be published by The History Press, an imprint of Arcadia Publishing. Stone, reflecting on her journey, expressed her fascination with the story and her dedication to ensuring the memory of the 87 men lost in the incident endures. She commented, "The 87 men who lost their lives deserve to be remembered, so this work is dedicated to them."
Stone's research, spurred by her 2019 article in America's Civil War magazine titled "Peril on the Potomac: The Sinking of Black Diamond," has uncovered over 20 previously unknown victims of the disaster. Determined to honor all 87 men, Stone continues her diligent efforts in identifying them.
Local artist Angela Wathen has been commissioned to design potential cover art for the book. Wathen's original painting depicting the collision of the Black Diamond and the Massachusetts serves as the only known portrayal of the tragic event. The artist's work, based on historical photographs, was generously donated to St. Clement's Island Museum's permanent collection.
The announcement of Stone's book deal and the unveiling of her upcoming publication occurred at the Black Diamond Disaster American Civil War Commemoration event on April 21, 2024, at the St. Clement's Island Museum. The event, filmed for community viewing, will soon be available on the St. Mary's County Government YouTube Channel.
For updates on the book's publication and release date, follow the St. Clement's Island Museum Facebook page.
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