Glen Park in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The First Dynamite Factory in America

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 28, 2021

1. The First Dynamite Factory in America Marker

Inscription. Giant Powder Company, under personal license of inventor Alfred Nobel, began producing dynamite here on March 19, 1868. On November 26, 1869, a massive explosion leveled the complex's buildings and fences. Giant Powder soon resumed operations in west San Francisco, and moved to its final site at Pt. Pinole in 1892. As a pioneer company, Giant Powder was so influential that "Giant” became synonymous with "dynamite,” a vital ingredient for California's early development.

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 1002

Historic site designated May 3, 1991. Plaque placement approved August 17, 2017 as a result of a collaborative effort by The Glen Park Neighborhoods History Project, Twin Peaks Parlor No. 214 of the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Historical Preservation Foundation of the Native Sons Of The Golden West, and San Francisco Recreation and Parks.

Erected 2017 by Glen Park Neighborhoods History Project, Twin Peaks Parlor No. 214 of the Native Sons of the Golden West, Historical Preservation Foundation of the Native Sons Of The Golden West, San Francisco Recreation and Parks. (Marker

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Number 1002.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists.

Location. 37° 44.174′ N, 122° 26.396′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Glen Park. It is on Elk Street north of O'Shaughnessy Boulevard, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94131, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Glen Canyon Park History (approx. 0.3 miles away);

The First Dynamite Factory in America Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 28, 2021

2. The First Dynamite Factory in America Marker - wide view

The marker is easily seen at the Elk Street entrance to Glen Park.

St. Mary's Chapel Bell (approx. 0.7 miles away); Jerry Garcia (1942-1995) (approx. 0.8 miles away); St. Mary's Pub (approx. 0.8 miles away); St. Mary's College (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Lapidos House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Jerry Garcia (approx. 1.3 miles away); Original Site of Bancroft Library (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Giant Powder Company subsequent factory site

Also see . . . Giant Powder Company (Found SF). (Submitted on June 1, 2021.)

Marker Dedication Team image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglas Love, GT NSGW, April 21, 2018

3. Marker Dedication Team

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 760 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 1, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on June 29, 2021, by James King of San Miguel, California.