Gas Explosion - 1915 - Ardmore, OK - Disaster Memorials on Waymarking.com

Just south of the Santa Fe Depot on E. Main Street, a gray granite monument stands as a reminder of this terrible event. The monument reads:

Ardmore remembers
those who lost their
lives in the tank car
explosion of
September 27, 1915

Casinghead gas from the oilfield was becoming an increasingly valuable item to industry. Obtained at the casinghead of an oilwell, it was transported by rail to several gas plants for refining. Extremely volatile, it was important to keep the gasoline at a temperature no higher than 50 degrees F. Unfortunately, on September 27, 1915, a series of events and a high daytime temperature, exposed the city of Ardmore to its dangers. In an effort to help the situation, the tank car was opened which only allowed the volatile gases to spread throughout the town. All it took was a spark, and almost all of the downtown area of Ardmore was destroyed, along with many injuries and 43 dead.

This damage and these lives lost is not forgotten to the town, as this monument attests.

Disaster Date: 09/27/1915 Memorial Sponsors: Not shown - most likely Ardmore Main Street Authority Disaster Type: Technological Relevant Website: [Web Link] Date of dedication: Not listed Parking Coordinates: Not Listed

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