Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

National Memorial · CA · nps.gov page

Port Chicago Memorial
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National MemorialPhoto: NPS Photo

On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion jolted the San Francisco East Bay area, shattering windows and lighting up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were killed instantly when two ships loading ammunition for Pacific troops exploded, resulting in the worst home front disaster of WWII. The aftermath illuminated the issues of segregation and racial inequality in the military.

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Photos

Park signs sitting in rock bed. Trees and bay in background.
Park sign at the memorial.Photo: NPS photo, Luther Bailey
Historic train car.
Historic train car at the memorial site.Photo: NPS photo, Luther Bailey
Munitions bolted as display in the magazine.
Munitions at the memorial.Photo: NPS photo, Luther Bailey
American flag waves in the wind.
American flag at the memorial.Photo: NPS photo, Luther Bailey

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.