Overview of Short Stuff: Boston Molasses Flood
Josh and Chuck recount the 1919 Boston Molasses Flood, when a poorly built storage tank ruptured in the North End and sent a massive wave of molasses through the neighborhood. The disaster killed 21 people, injured about 150, and led to stronger rules for reviewing the design and construction of large structures.
What Happened
On January 15, 1919, a tank holding about 2.3 million gallons of molasses burst on Commercial Street. The wave was roughly 25 feet high and moved at an estimated 35 miles per hour, crushing smaller buildings, shifting larger ones off their foundations, and knocking an elevated train off its tracks.
The dense molasses swept up workers, children, horses, and others in the neighborhood. As it slowed, it began to congeal, trapping people and making rescue and cleanup difficult. Salt water from the harbor helped break it down, but crews continued recovering bodies for months.
Why the Tank Failed
The tank belonged to Purity Distilling Company, which used molasses to make rum and industrial alcohol. It had reportedly leaked for years, and the company painted it brown to hide the seepage. An investigation led by Hugh Ogden found the company responsible; the tank’s construction and materials were inadequate for its enormous capacity. The company initially blamed anarchists, but investigators found no evidence of a bombing.
Aftermath and Legacy
The parent company, United States Industrial Alcohol, was ordered to pay about $1 million in damages. Boston subsequently required plans for large structures to be reviewed by architects and engineers and filed with the city. Other cities followed with similar requirements, helping strengthen building oversight.
The hosts stress that the later safety reforms do not lessen the human cost of the tragedy.