Photos: Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Port Chicago, a World War II munitions transfer point in the San Francisco Bay area, was the site of tragedy on July 17, 1944, when an explosion killed 320 people and injured 390 more. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Granite markers are inscribed with the names of Navy men and and civilians who died in the Port Chicago explosion. Pier pilings are visible at water’s edge in Suisun Bay. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Also still visible is a revetment meant to contain possible boxcar explosions. The 1944 blast occurred at the pier as ships were being loaded with munitions for the Pacific theater. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
The most dangerous work at Port Chicago was assigned to black soldiers, who were barred by segregationist policies from most other jobs. The 1944 tragedy became a defining moment in civil-rights history. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
