Dayton's Bluff in Saint Paul in Ramsey County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Explosion: 3M Response to Disaster

Photographed By McGhiever, June 26, 2019

1. Explosion: 3M Response to Disaster marker

Inscription. It was -12 degrees F. at 8:20 A.M. on February 8, 1951, when an explosion rocked the six-story Minerals Building (Building 12). It destroyed two floors, plunging them into darkness, damaged the adjacent tape packing plant, sent smoke through the underground tunnels of the Saint Paul Plant, and showered debris on the streets.

The explosion killed thirteen 3M employees and one truck driver making a delivery, and injured 50 others..

The plant buildings were quickly evacuated and non-injured employees and rescue workers went to the aid of those trapped under fallen walls and ceilings. The injured were rushed to four nearby hospitals for treatment.

The next day, President Richard M. Carlton announced that a break in a propane gas supply line had caused the explosion.

The operations of the Minerals department were reorganized and temporarily located in Buildings 11, 14, and 20, while Building 12 was undergoing rebuilding and repairs.

The company's greatest disaster led to revisions in training and safety procedures to prevent further accidents.

"Since yesterday's explosions at the plant, our chief concern has been for the dead and injured and their immediate families. Our immediate desire is to do everything possible to assist and comfort those who have

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suffered tragic personal losses and misfortune. Direct responsibility has been placed on company representatives to minister to the needs of our casualties. It is difficult to say how deeply grateful we are to all employees who unselfishly volunteered their services without regard to their personal safety."
–Richard M. Carlton, February 9, 1951 (Marker Number SF-24.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is February 8, 1951.

Location. 44° 57.883′ N, 93° 3.816′ W. Marker is in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in Ramsey County. It is in Dayton's Bluff. Located at the north end of the Beacon Bluff Art and History park (879 7th Street E.). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 777 Forest Street N, Saint Paul MN 55106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The 3M Flagpole (a few steps from this marker); 3M & World War II: The People (within shouting distance of this marker); "Scotch" Tape to the Rescue of General Gray (within shouting distance of this marker); Cornerstones & Time Capsules (within shouting distance of this marker); Innovations from the Saint Paul Campus (within shouting distance of this marker); 3M & World War II: The Products (about

Marker at the north end of Beacon Bluff image. Click for full size.

Photographed By McGhiever, June 28, 2019

2. Marker at the north end of Beacon Bluff

300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The 3M Story (about 300 feet away); 3M Vision & Growth (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saint Paul.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2021, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 278 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 18, 2021, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.