A Forgotten Tragedy: The 1916 Explosion in New Jersey

A Devastating Event

On July 30, 1916, a massive explosion ripped through the Black Tom Terminal in Jersey City, New Jersey. The detonation, caused by a sabotage plot by German agents, killed at least 7 people and caused widespread destruction.

The Explosion's Impact

• Destroyed or damaged over 1,000 buildings in the surrounding area
• Caused over $20 million in damages (equivalent to over $400 million today)
• Disrupted shipping and transportation in the Port of New York

The Sabotage Plot

The explosion was the result of a plot by German agents who planted explosives on six barges docked at the terminal. The agents, led by Franz von Rintelen, aimed to sabotage American munitions shipments to Allied forces in World War I.

The sabotage plot was highly successful, as the explosion destroyed or damaged a significant portion of the munitions stored at the terminal. This disruption contributed to delays in American military operations and provided a boost to the German war effort.

Aftermath and Impact

The Black Tom explosion was initially dismissed as an accident, but investigations later revealed the German sabotage plot. The incident led to heightened security measures in the United States and increased public awareness of the dangers of espionage.