Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
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.
The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is on an active military base, so it is only accessible by reservation. The shuttle picks up visitors with reservations at the John Muir National Historic Site. Please know that all visitors for the memorial must have a reservation. Please visit our website for information on how to obtain reservations.
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Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Park sign at the memorial.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Historic train car at the memorial site.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Munitions at the memorial.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
American flag at the memorial.