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

Inscription.
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 DuPont's gunpowder mills on the Brandywine were becoming outdated and full production was never restored following this explosion.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. Marker is on Hagley Creek Road, on the left when traveling north. Marker is on the Hagley Museum grounds, reachable on foot or by tram after paying the entrance fee. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington DE 19807, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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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); The Powder Yard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Eagle Roll Mills (about 400 feet away); Blacksmith Shop (about 400 feet away); Gibbons House (about 400 feet away); Powder Yard Gates (about 400 feet away); Roll Mill (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Also see . . .
1. Brandywine River Powder Mills. (Submitted on September 1, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Hagley Museum and Library. (Submitted on September 1, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 30, 2023

2. Explosion of 1920 Marker

Right marker

Iron Press Remnant from the 1920 Explosion image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 30, 2023

3. Iron Press Remnant from the 1920 Explosion

Next to the Explosion of 1920 Marker

Lower Press House Machinery Remnants from 1920 Explosion image. Click for full size.

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 Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 1, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.