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 two ships being loaded with ammunition for the Pacific theater troops blew up. It was WWII's worst home front disaster.
Learn how to visit the national park site.
We are now accepting reservation requests for the 80th Anniversary. Please follow the link to learn more.
Learn more about the people who were affected by the disaster.
Learn more about Port Chicago.
View historic images from the disaster, as well as modern images from the site.
Answers to your most common questions.
Watch a powerful documentary on The Port Chicago Disaster. Click link for the presentation page.
Learn more about research and park collections.
A small number of photos have been colorized to show more details and to provide a new perspective.
Learn More About Our Park Partner, Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial
Last updated: May 24, 2024
