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The Day Molasses Took Over Boston
On January 15, 1919, Boston’s North End was a typical industrial neighborhood, bustling with the daily activities of its residents. However, this calm was shattered when a massive molasses storage tank unexpectedly burst, unleashing chaos in the form of a 35-foot wave of thick syrup. This sticky tidal wave moved at a speed of 35 mph, leaving destruction in its wake. Buildings were crushed, train cars overturned, and anything unfortunate enough to be in its path was suffocated by the viscous liquid. The molasses covered several city blocks and resulted in an unimaginable disaster that many had never thought possible. This catastrophe forever changed the landscape and history of Boston.
What Caused the Explosion?
The molasses tank in question belonged to the Purity Distilling Company, a key player in the production of rum and industrial alcohol. However, the tank was poorly constructed and had been leaking for years. Rather than addressing the issue, the company attempted to hide the leaks by painting the tank brown. On the fateful day, the temperature unexpectedly rose from freezing to 40°F, which led to fermentation and gas buildup inside the tank. The pressure became too much, and the tank exploded with a force that sounded like a bomb. Residents initially thought they were under attack, but soon realized the true nature of the disaster they were facing.
The Sticky Aftermath – 21 Dead, 150 Injured
The aftermath of the molasses wave was devastating. The syrupy deluge trapped horses, people, and buildings, making any chance of escape nearly impossible. Tragically, 21 people lost their lives, and over 150 were injured. Many victims drowned in the molasses, while others were crushed by debris. Rescue efforts were severely hampered by the knee-deep molasses, turning an already difficult task into an excruciatingly slow process. Cleaning up the disaster took weeks, and Boston Harbor remained brown from the molasses for months afterward.
The Lawsuit That Changed U.S. Safety Laws
Following the disaster, the Purity Distilling Company faced legal action, with investigations revealing that the tank had never been properly tested. The company was found guilty of negligence and was ordered to pay $628,000 in damages, a sum equivalent to about $10 million today. This ruling led to significant changes in building safety laws across the United States, mandating the inspection and testing of large storage tanks. Engineers continue to study the Molasses Flood to gain insights into fluid dynamics and to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The Weirdest Part? Boston Still Smelled Like Molasses for Decades!
In the years following the catastrophe, residents of Boston claimed that the scent of molasses lingered in the streets, especially on hot days. While the area where the disaster occurred has since transformed into a quiet neighborhood, the memory of the Great Molasses Flood remains vivid in the collective memory of the city’s residents. A plaque in Boston’s North End serves as a reminder of this bizarre and tragic event, marking the site where the molasses once flowed so destructively.
A Sticky Disaster That Changed History
Though the Great Molasses Flood may sound like a tale from fiction, it stands as one of the deadliest industrial accidents in U.S. history. The disaster forced a city to confront its vulnerabilities and prompted changes in laws to ensure the safety of its inhabitants. Despite the passage of time, the legacy of this sticky disaster persists, captivating the imaginations of those who hear its story.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
