Boston History Lesson: Great Molasses Flood
Around lunchtime on January 15, 1919, a 50-foot tall molasses tank ruptured and spilled out onto the streets of the North End. According to History.com, more than two million gallons of thick liquid poured out like a tsunami wave and reached speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. The molasses destroyed buildings, knocked an elevated train off of its tracks, trapped horses, and killed 21 people, with 150 more injuries.
According to Stephen Puleo, author of The Dark Tide: The Great Molasses Flood of 1919, the tank was built a few years before and was known to leak. Kids in the neighborhood would fill up pails of molasses, so it was no surprise that “a situation” could arise. Structural engineers determined that the tank’s wall was a way to hold the heavy contents. A new shipment arrived, the walls burst, and the rest is history.
Image via the City of Boston Instagram
Maureen Dahill is the founder of Caught in Media. Once a longtime wardrobe and prop stylist for brands such as Rue La La, TJ Max & Hasbro, she is a devoted lover of vintage clothing, Martini Mondays, Castle Island, AND a 4th generation South Boston native.
I read Puleo’s book, “Dark Tide”. That was such an intense incident–and intense reading, as well. “Dark Tide” is an excellent book, however, and well worth reading.