7. A Violin and a Love Story

Next on our Titanic facts list, we’re talking about something that has to do with the famous story of the musicians playing as the liner went down. Yes, that story that stirs your emotions. Wallace Hartley, who was the leader of the eight musicians, played the violin, trying to help people remain calm as the ship sank.

In the liner’s final moments, Hartley led the band in playing “Nearer My God to Thee.” He went down with the Titanic that night. His dead body was found two weeks later, and the most shocking thing was that his violin was strapped to him.

The musical instrument was an engagement gift Hartley received from his fiancée. He had engraved on it the words, “For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement from Maria.” The object, which had been passed from house to house throughout the year, was found in an attic by a man in 2006.

In 2013, it was announced that it was Hartley’s violin that he played when the Titanic sank. The musical instrument was returned to his fiancée, who never married. Now that’s one of the most heartbreaking Titanic facts.