The Great Molasses Flood of 1919
The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 in Boston was a tragic and extraordinary disaster that left an indelible mark on the city’s history. It occurred when a colossal tank containing approximately 2 million gallons of molasses burst, unleashing a catastrophic tidal wave of molasses that swept through the streets of the North End. The sheer force and volume of the molasses proved devastating, resulting in the deaths of 21 people and injuring many more.
Buildings were destroyed, vehicles swept away, and the neighborhood was left in ruins. The aftermath of the disaster prompted significant changes in safety regulations and engineering practices, along with numerous legal battles to hold those responsible accountable.