On July 17, 1944, 320 Black sailors were killed in an explosion, the largest disaster on the American mainland during World War II. This happened right here in Port Chicago, Contra Costa County, east of Martinez on on Suisun Bay.

A Memorial, part of the National Parks services, stands there now.

Below is a 10 minute moving documentary “Into Forgetfulness” about the incident and the following rebellion and prosecution of the surviving sailors.

Port Chicago 50: The Book

A discussion of the book by the author Steve Sheinkin at the Contra Costa Library Thursday, February 24 and a talk by National Park Service Rangers about the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial has been recorded. The recording will be posted here when available.

All League News