...
| Black Tom explosion | |
|---|---|
| Motive | Sabotage |
What is the meaning of July 30 1916?
July 30, 1916: Facts & Myths About This Day. July 30, 1916 is the 212nd day of the year 1916 in the Gregorian calendar. There are 154 days remaining until the end of this year. The day of the week is Sunday. Under the Julian calendar, this day is July 17, 1916 – a Sunday.
What day of the week is July 1916?
July 30, 1916 is the 212 th day of the year 1916 in the Gregorian calendar. There are 154 days remaining until the end of this year. The day of the week is Sunday. Under the Julian calendar, this day is July 17, 1916 – a Sunday.
What happened in 1916 in the US?
In 1916, German Terrorists Launched an Attack on American Soil. An explosion that initially looked like an accident, turned out to be an act of sabotage.
What was the Black Tom explosion of 1916?
The Black Tom explosion was an act of sabotage by agents of the German Empire, to destroy U.S.-made munitions that were to be supplied to the Allies in World War I. The explosions, which occurred on July 30, 1916, in New York Harbor, killed four people and destroyed some $20,000,000 ($480 million in 2022) worth of military goods.
What is significant about the date July 30th 1916?
It was still dark in Manhattan on a Sunday morning, July 30, 1916, when the sky suddenly exploded with an unnatural brilliance. Two million tons of war materials packed into train cars had blown up in the Black Tom railroad yard on what is now a part of Liberty State Park.
Why is it called Black Tom Island?
The name "Black Tom" is said to come from a "dark-skinned" fisherman who lived on the island for many years. The Lehigh Valley Railroad Company filled in the marshland between Black Tom and the mainland from 1905 to 1916.
When was the Statue of Liberty bombed?
June 3, 1980On June 3, 1980, a bomb exploded in the museum at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Initially, at least five separate terrorist groups took responsibility, but, within days, the bombing was attributed to the Croatian Freedom Fighters.
Did the Germans damage the Statue of Liberty?
For on the night of July 30th, 1916, German saboteurs detonated a colossal explosion at a nearby munitions dump, that forever damaged the Statue of Liberty, making the ladder up in the torch off limits. It was the largest act of terrorism on American soil prior to 9/11 and is little known about today.
Does Black Tom Island still exist?
Black Tom Island is now part of Liberty State Park.
What damaged the arm of the Statue of Liberty?
The statue stood tall for three decades before its torch was damaged in an explosion during World War I. In 1916, German forces aimed dynamite and other explosive devices at a munitions plant containing US-made weapons in Jersey City, New Jersey. The statue's right arm, including the torch, sustained minor damage.
Can you go inside the Statue of Liberty torch?
The National Park Service's Statue of Liberty website cites the Black Tom explosion as the reason the torch is closed off, though it is unclear why, a century later, guests are still not allowed inside. But the legacy of this explosion is deeper than just relegating tourists to Lady Liberty's crown.
Can you go inside the Statue of Liberty?
To go inside the Statue of Liberty you need to book a ticket, hey are limited and we highly recommend to purchase them in advance to visit the Pedestal.
How many times has the Statue of Liberty been hit by lightning?
Lady Liberty is struck by lightning 600 times every year Standing proud, exposed to the elements, the statue has to withstand around 600 lightning bolts every year and, in high winds, the torch can sway by about 5 inches side-to-side!
Can you go inside the Statue of Liberty 2022?
AS OF July 8, 2022 - Access to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty is currently off-limits due to the pandemic but is scheduled to reopen as part of phased-in reopenngs. Unfortunately, there is no announced timeline. We also have a post on how to get general admission and pedestal tickets, which is currently open.
Can you go inside the Statue of Liberty 2021?
Crown Access to the Statue of Liberty remains closed but will be part of a later reopening phase. Crown reservations must be purchased in advance through the 'Book Now' link. Same-day crown tickets are not available, and we do not keep a waitlist. You can reserve a maximum of four people per transaction.
What does Black Tom mean?
"Black Tom", an informal name of a neighborhood within the Harpur ward of Bedford, England, named after a notorious highwayman who operated in the area in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
Why is Black Tom called Black Tom in Bedford?
"Black Tom", an informal name of a neighborhood within the Harpur ward of Bedford, England, named after a notorious highwayman who operated in the area in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
When did the US enter ww1?
April 6, 1917In early April 1917, with the toll in sunken U.S. merchant ships and civilian casualties rising, Wilson asked Congress for “a war to end all wars” that would “make the world safe for democracy.” A hundred years ago, on April 6, 1917, Congress thus voted to declare war on Germany, joining the bloody battle—then ...
When did the Black Tom explosion happen?
On July 30, 1916 the Black Tom munitions depot exploded rocking New York Harbor and sending residents tumbling from their beds. The noise of the explosion was heard as far away as Maryland and Connecticut. On Ellis Island, terrified immigrants were evacuated by ferry to the Battery.
Why did the Germans bomb the Lehigh Valley?
Why the explosion? Was it an accident or planned? According to historians, the Germans sabotaged the Lehigh Valley munitions depot in order to stop deliveries being made to the British who had blockaded the Germans in Europe.
What was the legacy of the Black Tom explosion?
Legacy. The Black Tom explosion resulted in the establishment of domestic intelligence agencies for the United States. The then Police Commissioner of New York, Arthur Woods, argued, "The lessons to America are clear as day. We must not again be caught napping with no adequate national intelligence organization.
How was the island of the sands created?
The island was artificial, created by land fill around a rock of the same name, which had been a local hazard to navigation . Being largely built up from city refuse, it developed a reputation as an unseemly environmental hazard. On January 26, 1875, an accidental explosion killed four. By 1880, the island was transformed into a 25-acre (10 ha) ...
What was the purpose of the Black Tom bombing?
sabotage. The Black Tom explosion was an act of sabotage by German agents to destroy U.S.-made munitions that were to be supplied to the Allies in World War I. The explosions, which occurred on July 30, 1916, in the New York Harbor, killed four people and destroyed some $20,000,000 worth of military goods.
Why was the statue of liberty closed?
The final payment was made in 1979. The Statue of Liberty's torch was closed to the public following the explosion, due to structural damages. Access was not opened after the 1984–1986 restoration which included repairs to the arm and installation of a new gold-plated copper torch.
Why was the barge tied up at Black Tom?
Jersey City's Commissioner of Public Safety, Frank Hague, later said he had been told the barge was "tied up at Black Tom to avoid a twenty-five dollar charge.". After midnight, a series of small fires were discovered on the pier. Some guards fled, fearing an explosion.
What happened to the Black Tom promontory?
As described by Witcover: “The Black Tom promontory was a charred ruin; 13 huge warehouses were leveled and six piers destroyed, and fires continued to eat their way through the remains and consume hundreds of railroads cars and barges tied to the docks. At one point, a huge cavern was hewed out of the earth by the explosions of some 87 dynamite-laden railroad cars. The blast excavated a hole so deep that it extended below sea level; water seeped in until a vast pond was created , strewn with the wreckage.”
Why did the Black Tom bombings happen?
Most of the arms, however, were going to the Allies—Britain, France and Russia—because the British navy had blockaded Germany. The first of the Black Tom explosions was felt at 2:08 a.m. followed half an hour later by a second blast.
How many warehouses were destroyed in Black Tom?
The blasts also wreaked havoc at the site. As described by Witcover: “The Black Tom promontory was a charred ruin; 13 huge warehouses were leveled and six piers destroyed, and fires continued to eat their way through the remains and consume hundreds of railroads cars and barges tied to the docks.
How many people died in the Black Tom explosion?
The first of the Black Tom explosions was felt at 2:08 a.m. followed half an hour later by a second blast. At least five people were killed, including a baby in Jersey City who was thrown from his crib, and there was an estimated $20 million—the equivalent of some $500 million today—in property damage.
Historical Events
German saboteurs blow up a munitions plant on Black Tom Island, New Jersey
Famous Birthdays
Dick Wilson, British-American actor, born in Preston, Lancashire, England (d. 2007)
Famous Deaths
Albert Neisser, German physician who discovered the bacteria that cause gonorrhea and leprosy, dies of septicemia at 61
Movies
Which were the most popular Movies released in those months? Watch popular movies, TV series and live events, start your 30-day free trial
How old am I?
If July 30, 1916 is your birthday find out how old you are in years, months, weeks and days and how long it takes for your next birthday.
Which famous people are born on July 30, 1916?
On July 30, 1916 several famous people were born including, Robert van Spaendonk, Jacques Le Magnen, Dick Wilson.
Sports History
Jul 1 Pittsburgh shortstop Honus Wagner, at 42 and 4 months, connects at Cincinnati to become the oldest to hit an inside-the-park HR; Pirates beat Reds, 2-1
Five Miles of Mud Costs a Million Casualties
Over the top: Thousands of British soldiers scrambled out of their trenches and were dead within minutes
Historic Event
Jul 6 2nd of 4 fatal Jersey Shore shark attacks occur at Spring Lake when Charles Bruder (27) bled to death, 5 days after the 1st
Historic Event
Jul 26 The US Protests the 'Blacklist' issued by the British forbidding trade with some 30 US firms
Overview
The Black Tom explosion was an act of sabotage by agents of the German Empire, to destroy U.S.-made munitions that were to be supplied to the Allies in World War I. The explosions, which occurred on July 30, 1916, in New York Harbor, killed four people and destroyed some $20,000,000 ($500 million in 2022 dollars) worth of military goods. This incident, which happened prior to U.S. entry into World War I, also damaged the Statue of Liberty. It was one of the largest artificial non-nucle…
Black Tom Island
The term "Black Tom" originally referred to an island in New York Harbor next to Liberty Island. The island was artificial, created by land fill around a rock of the same name, which had been a local hazard to navigation. Being largely built up from city refuse, it developed a reputation as an unseemly environmental hazard. On January 26, 1875, an accidental explosion killed four. By 1880, the island was transformed into a 25-acre (10 ha) promontory, and a causeway and railroad had …
Explosion
On the night of the Black Tom explosion, July 30, 1916, about 2,000,000 pounds (910,000 kg) of small arms and artillery ammunition were stored at the depot in freight cars and on barges, including 100,000 pounds (45,000 kg) of TNT on Johnson Barge No. 17. All were waiting to be shipped to Russia. Jersey City's Commissioner of Public Safety, Frank Hague, later said he had been told the barge was "tied up at Black Tom to avoid a twenty-five dollar charge".
Investigation
In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, two watchmen who had lit smudge pots to keep away mosquitoes were questioned by police but the police soon determined that the smudge pots had not caused the fire and that the blast had likely been an accident. President Wilson remarked of the incident that it was "a regrettable incident at a private railroad terminal", and Edgar E. Clark of the Interstate Commerce Commission was dispatched to investigate.
Aftermath
This attack was one of many during the German sabotage campaign against the neutral United States, and it is notable for its contribution to the shift of public opinion against Germany, which eventually resulted in American support to enter World War I.
The Russian government sued the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company operating the Black Tom Terminal on grounds that lax security (there was no entrance gate; the territory was unlit) permit…
Legacy
The Black Tom explosion resulted in the establishment of domestic intelligence agencies for the United States. The then Police Commissioner of New York, Arthur Woods, argued, "The lessons to America are clear as day. We must not again be caught napping with no adequate national intelligence organization. The several federal bureaus should be welded into one and that one should be eternally and comprehensively vigilant." The explosion also played a role in how futur…
See also
• List of German sponsored acts of terrorism during WWI
• Anton Dilger
• Largest artificial non-nuclear explosions
• List of accidents and incidents involving transport or storage of ammunition
Bibliography
• Chad Millman (2006). The Detonators: The Secret Plot to Destroy America and an Epic Hunt for Justice. Little, Brown and Company. p. 352. ISBN 0-316-73496-9.
• Jules Witcover (1989). Sabotage at Black Tom: Imperial Germany's Secret in America, 1914–1917. Algonquin Books. p. 339. ISBN 0-912697-98-9.