Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

Description

The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is a historic site located in Concord, California. It commemorates the tragic events that took place during World War II when a massive explosion occurred at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine, resulting in the loss of lives and significant damage to the surrounding area.

History

The Port Chicago explosion, which happened on July 17, 1944, was one of the deadliest disasters on the home front during the war. The explosion was caused by the accidental detonation of munitions being loaded onto ships bound for the Pacific Theater. The incident led to the largest mutiny trial in U.S. Naval history, highlighting racial disparities and unsafe working conditions faced by African American sailors at the time.

What to See and Do

Visiting the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial offers a unique opportunity to learn about this significant event in American history. Here are some of the things you can do and see:

Visitor Center

Start your visit at the memorial's visitor center, where you can watch a short film that provides an overview of the explosion and its aftermath. The center also features exhibits that delve deeper into the history and impact of the incident.

Memorial Plaza

Take a walk through the memorial plaza, which includes a reflection pool and a memorial wall engraved with the names of the sailors who lost their lives in the explosion. The serene surroundings offer a peaceful space for contemplation and remembrance.

Ranger-Led Programs

Join one of the ranger-led programs to gain a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded at Port Chicago. The knowledgeable park rangers provide insightful commentary and answer any questions you may have.

Self-Guided Tour

Explore the memorial at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Follow the designated paths and read the informative signs along the way to learn about the various aspects of the site's history.

Visitor Information

The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is open year-round, except on major holidays. Admission is free, and guided tours are available upon request. The memorial is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

Is there an entrance fee to visit the memorial?

No, admission to the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is free of charge.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours are available upon request. It is recommended to contact the memorial in advance to arrange a guided tour.

Is the memorial accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all visitors can fully experience the site.

	Temp max	Temp min	Rain	Snow
Jan	13 °C 55 °F	7 °C 45 °F	74 mm 2.9 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Feb	16 °C 61 °F	8 °C 46 °F	61 mm 2.4 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Mar	18 °C 64 °F	9 °C 48 °F	61 mm 2.4 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Apr	21 °C 70 °F	11 °C 52 °F	29 mm 1.1 in	0 mm 0.0 in
May	24 °C 75 °F	12 °C 54 °F	10 mm 0.4 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Jun	27 °C 81 °F	14 °C 57 °F	2 mm 0.1 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Jul	28 °C 82 °F	14 °C 57 °F	1 mm 0.0 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Aug	28 °C 82 °F	15 °C 59 °F	0 mm 0.0 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Sep	27 °C 81 °F	15 °C 59 °F	4 mm 0.2 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Oct	24 °C 75 °F	14 °C 57 °F	20 mm 0.8 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Nov	17 °C 63 °F	10 °C 50 °F	42 mm 1.7 in	0 mm 0.0 in
Dec	13 °C 55 °F	7 °C 45 °F	95 mm 3.7 in	0 mm 0.0 in