Hagley Museum near Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Explosion of 1920
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 30, 2023
1. Explosion of 1920 Marker
You are standing near the site of the last major explosion to occur in the Hagley Yard. On January 2, 1920, more than 50,000 pounds of gunpowder exploded, killing five DuPont workers, destroying two building and damaging many others. Although it is unclear how it originated, newspaper accounts state that a first explosion occurred in a roll mill and created a chain reaction. The force of the explosion completely destroyed the Press House, which stood near this site, and split apart the massive iron press within. Part of the exploded press was recovered, as you can see here. DuPont's gunpowder mills on the Brandywine were becoming outdated and full production was never restored following this explosion. The mills were closed at the end of 1921.
Erected by Hagley Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 2, 1920.
Location. 39° 46.654′ N, 75° 34.498′ W. Marker is near Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Hagley Museum. It is on Hagley Creek Road, on the left when traveling north. Marker is on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Missile Map of January 2, 1920 Explosion (here, next to this marker); Power of Powder / Press House Operations (here, next to this marker); Lesmok Mills (within shouting distance of this marker); Leaving France / Arriving in America (within shouting distance of this marker); Ιleuthθre Irιnιe du Pont (within shouting distance of this marker); Victor du Pont (within shouting distance of this marker); Starting the DuPont Company (within shouting distance
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 30, 2023
2. Explosion of 1920 Marker
Also see . . .
1. Brandywine River Powder Mills. (Submitted on September 1, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Hagley Museum and Library. (Submitted on September 1, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 30, 2023
3. Iron Press Remnant from the 1920 Explosion
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 30, 2023
4. Lower Press House Machinery Remnants from 1920 Explosion
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 514 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 1, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
