New London in Rusk County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
New London School Explosion
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 23, 2023
1. New London School Explosion Marker
Inscription.
New London School Explosion. . On March 18, 1937, a massive explosion destroyed the New London Junior-Senior High School, instantly killing an estimated 296 students and teachers. The subsequent deaths of victims from injuries sustained that day brought the final death count to 311. The explosion was blamed on a natural gas leak beneath the school building. Within weeks of the disaster the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring an odor to be added to natural gas, which previously was odorless and therefore undetectable. This memorial to victims of the explosion was erected in 1939.
On March 18, 1937, a massive explosion destroyed the New London Junior-Senior High School, instantly killing an estimated 296 students and teachers. The subsequent deaths of victims from injuries sustained that day brought the final death count to 311. The explosion was blamed on a natural gas leak beneath the school building. Within weeks of the disaster the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring an odor to be added to natural gas, which previously was odorless and therefore undetectable. This memorial to victims of the explosion was erected in 1939.
Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11023.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters.
Location. 32° 14.348′ N, 94° 56.519′ W. Marker is in New London, Texas, in Rusk County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Park Street, on the left when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10705 S Main Street, New London TX 75682, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
