Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

Largest Homeland Disaster during World War II

On the evening of July 17, 1944, residents in the San Francisco east bay area were jolted awake by a massive explosion that cracked windows and lit up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were instantly killed when the munitions ships they were loading with ammunition for the Pacific theatre troops mysteriously blew up.

Reservations are required to visit this site.

Black & white photo of African-American US Navy sailors loading munitions on a ship at Port Chicago depot in Concord, California

The Port Chicago Disaster

Use these on-line teacher and student resource materials to learn about the 1944 explosion at Port Chicago. Information includes the site, explosion, mutiny trial, court martial, and pardon.

		Naval Historical Center For more information on the 1944 Port Chicago explosion, visit the on-line Naval Historical Center.

Pier damage after the explosion. Note the propeller of the S.S. Quinalt Victory in the channel.

Reservations Required

Whether one is active or retired from the U.S. military, Port Chicago National Memorial is part of the Army's Military Ocean Terminal Concord base and has RESTRICTED ACCESS. ALL VISITORS to the site need to be cleared with the U.S. Army. That means making a reservation with at least 2 WEEKS NOTICE, so clearance can be granted.

Information required for a reservation for each person:

Name

Phone #

Date of Birth

From a picture ID (passport or state Drivers License) the number that accompanies that ID.

Granted Access depends on the visitor, NPS and Military schedules.

65th Anniversary of the Port Chicago explosion

During World War II, on July 17, 1944, 320 military and civilian men gave their lives in service to America when the munitions ships they were loading mysteriously exploded. On Saturday July 18, 2009 from 10 am to 12:30 PM, please join us as we reflect on the memories of loss, struggle, and lessons evoked by the 1944 explosion.

Please call us Wednesday-Sunday, from 9am-5pm to make your reservation at (925) 228-8860. We need the names and phone numbers of all visitors planning on attending this special ceremony.

Write to

P.O. Box 280
Danville, CA 94526

E-mail Us

Phone

Information & Reservations
(925) 228-8860

Administration
(510) 232-5006

Fax

(925) 838-9471

Climate

The Memorial is along the Carquinez Straits waterway and is often windy. From April to October is it mostly dry with mild to warm temperatures (65-100 F). From November to March there can be periods of rain with cool to mild temperatures (45-65 F). There are no indoor facilities. Dressing in layers and comfortable footwear is suggested.