EPISODE · Apr 12, 2026 · 17 MIN
The Black Tom Island Explosion of 1916
from HistMuse · host HistMuse
The Black Tom Island Explosion of 1916: New York's Wartime BlastJuly 30, 1916. 2AM. New York Harbor slept. 2 million pounds of munitions sat loaded for Allied ships.German saboteurs ignited the Black Tom depot. A 5.5‑magnitude blast shattered Manhattan windows. Shrapnel rained on Jersey City. Ellis Island evacuated. Statue of Liberty's torch arm scarred forever.7 dead. $20 million damage. Felt 90 miles away.HistMuse uncovers America's first major WWI sabotage—right on its doorstep.
What this episode covers
The Black Tom Island Explosion of 1916: New York's Wartime BlastJuly 30, 1916. 2AM. New York Harbor slept. 2 million pounds of munitions sat loaded for Allied ships.German saboteurs ignited the Black Tom depot. A 5.5‑magnitude blast shattered Manhattan windows. Shrapnel rained on Jersey City. Ellis Island evacuated. Statue of Liberty's torch arm scarred forever.7 dead. $20 million damage. Felt 90 miles away.HistMuse uncovers America's first major WWI sabotage—right on its doorstep.
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The Black Tom Island Explosion of 1916
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