The Titanic Files

With the movie "Titanic" breaking box office records (and that horrid Celine Dion song in maximum radio rotation), The Smoking Gun has decided to present this collection of historical documents about the April 1912 maritime disaster.

Culled from the national archives of England and the United States, these records provide a unique view of the tragedy, with documents ranging from the chilling SOS messages sent by the crippled ship to a detailed inventory of items lost by one wealthy passenger. In most cases, these papers surfaced during government inquiries launched in both countries following the ship's sinking.

SOS Messages Sent By Titanic's Crew (1 page)

White Star Line Confirms Tragedy (1 page)

Union Criticizes Evacuation Procedures (1 page)

White Star Complains Of Movie Depictions (3 pages)

Regulations Given To White Star Captains (3 pages)

The Lost Roquefort Cheese (2 pages)

Mrs. Spencer's Sundries (4 pages)

A Father Claims Negligence (2 pages)

Digest of Witness Testimony (7 pages)