Deadly Explosion -- Fort Pickens, Pensacola Beach FL
N 30° 19.643 W 087° 17.431
16R E 472072 N 3355098
A sign explains what happened at this part of Fort Pickens that was destroyed by a deadly gunpowder magazine explosion in 1899
Waymark Code: WMND5T
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 02/18/2015
Views: 2
This part of Fort Pickens was destroyed in 1899 when a gunpowder magazine exploded. Two Army soldiers were killed in the explosion.
Today the ruins have been stabilized but are roped off to keep visitors from climbing on or venturing to near this damaged part of Fort Pickens.
A sign near the destroyed part of the magazine reads as follows:
"DEADLY EXPLOSION
On the night of June 30, 1899 a fire broke out near the gunpowder magazine on the forts northeast side. A bucket brigade fought the flames, but the blaze grew in intensity, forced the soldiers away from the cistern, at 5:20 AM ignited 8000 pounds of gunpowder. The explosion demolished the bastion and showered debris across Pensacola Bay. Flying brick fragments killed Pvt. Earle Wells and injured Pvt. Henry Hopgood, who had sought shelter behind a woodpile. "
Group that erected the marker: National Park Service
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: [Web Link]
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
Fort Pickens
Pensacola Beach, FL
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