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 Port Chicago Naval Magazine was dedicated as a National Memorial to honor the courage and commitment of the Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Merchant Mariners, and working civilians killed and injured in the largest homeland disaster during World War II.
On July 17, 1944, 320 men, over 200 of which were African-Americans, were instantly killed when a loaded munition ship blew up during loading operations. The Memorial recognizes the critical role they and the survivors of the explosion played in winning the war in the Pacific.
Port Chicago National Memorial was dedicated in 1994 by the survivors of that tragic event and their families, Naval personnel, and National Park Service. The explosion and its aftermath was a catalyst, one of many, that helped persuade the U.S. Navy and the military establishment to begin the long journey on the road to racial justice and equality following WWII.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED TO VISIT THIS SITE. Visit includes free transportation to the Memorial on the military base and a guided tour. Allow two weeks to process your request. For more information or to make tour reservations, call (925) 838-0249.
Getting There:
From Oakland/Berkeley, take Highway 24 east to Walnut Creek. Merge onto Interstate 680 north, towards Sacramento. Merge onto Highway 242 north to Concord. Exit Port Chicago Highway north to the Concord Naval Weapons Station.
From Sacramento, take Interstate 80 west. Exit onto Interstate 680 south to Martinez. Exit onto Highway 4 east to Concord. Exit onto Port Chicago Highway north to the Concord Naval Weapons Station.
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