The steamboat Monmouth was transporting a large group of Muscogee people from their ancestral lands to designated territories in the west as part of the United States government's policy of Indian removal. This policy, mandated by the Indian Removal Act of 1830, forced numerous Native American tribes to abandon their homes and relocate west of the Mississippi River, leading to various sufferings, including disease, starvation, and hardship. The journey they undertook, known as the Trail of Tears, was fraught with danger and tragedy.

On that fateful day, the Monmouth was overloaded with passengers and cargo, making it particularly susceptible to accidents. As the vessel navigated the treacherous waters of the Mississippi River, it encountered rough conditions that ultimately led to its capsizing. Reports indicated that the abrupt sinking of the Monmouth resulted in the loss of over 300 lives, predominantly composed of Muscogee men, women, and children. The tragedy highlighted the dire circumstances faced by the Muscogee and other tribes during their forced migration, shedding light on the severe human cost of U.S. policies at the time.

This disaster became an emblem of the suffering endured by Native American peoples during the Trail of Tears, underscoring the fragility of their existence under enforced displacement. The Monmouth disaster remains a chilling reminder of the broader impacts of Indian removal that affected numerous tribes and contributed to the ongoing narrative of loss and resilience among Native American communities.