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.

Black & white photo of African-American US Navy sailors loading munitions onto rail cars at Port Chicago depot in Concord, California

Your Newest National Park Site!

On October 28, 2009, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial became the 392nd unit of the National Park Service. Many years in coming, we are so pleased that we have been chosen as the latest park for U.S. citizens, and citizens of the world to be able to visit.

Port Chicago National Memorial is about many things. It's about the tragedy of loss of life. It's about discrimination, segregation and the very beginnings of civil rights for all Americans. It's also about the coming together as a nation to learn from our past mistakes. Please take the extra time and energy and come visit Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, your newest National Park site.

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

Reservations Required

November 9, 2009 UPDATE: There are no tours available to the Port Chicago Memorial until after the start of January 2010. Remember, two weeks notice and U.S. Army approval is required for all visitors.

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 & Gender

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.

Naval Historical Center

For more information on the 1944 Port Chicago explosion, visit the on-line Naval Historical Center at www.history.navy.mil

Write to

P.O. Box 280
Danville, CA 94526

E-mail Us

Phone

Information & Reservations
(925) 228-8860

Administration
(510) 232-1542

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.