The Kingsland Explosion

Welcome to Dave Does History, where we dig into the stories that shaped America, often in ways you might not expect. Today, we’re heading back to January 11, 1917—a day when the quiet town of Kingsland, New Jersey, erupted into chaos as explosions rocked the Canadian Car and Foundry munitions plant.

It was a time when World War I felt like a distant European affair, yet acts of suspected sabotage on American soil—like the Kingsland explosion—brought the war to our doorstep. This wasn’t just about a factory; it was about espionage, heroism, and a nation wrestling with fear and identity.

How did a single fire destroy half a million artillery shells, and what did it mean for German-Americans already under suspicion? We’ll uncover the truth behind the flames and why this moment still resonates today.

Buckle up—this is history that hits close to home.

The Kingsland explosion on January 11, 1917, was a moment of chaos and heroism, deeply tied to the tensions of World War I and the fears of espionage on American soil. At the time, the United States was officially neutral but was heavily involved in supplying the Allies with war materials, including millions of artillery shells. This lucrative yet precarious position made American industrial sites prime targets for sabotage by German agents determined to disrupt the Allied war effort.

The explosion occurred during a period of rising anti-German sentiment in the United States. Acts of sabotage, such as the 1916 Black Tom explosion in nearby Jersey City, had already fueled public fears of enemy infiltration. For many Americans, the Kingsland explosion confirmed suspicions of a shadow war being waged on their home turf, transforming distant battles into immediate, tangible threats.

On a chilly January afternoon, workers at the Canadian Car and Foundry Company in Kingsland, New Jersey, were cleaning artillery shells with gasoline-soaked cloths. A fire ignited in Building 30, where the shells were prepared for shipment to the Russian army. Within moments, the flames reached munitions stores, triggering a chain reaction of explosions that destroyed the entire 40-acre facility within four hours. Over 500,000 shells detonated, sending fiery shrapnel into the air and shaking the surrounding area. The explosions were so intense that residents in nearby towns described the scene as resembling a battlefield, with buildings damaged and chimneys shattered by the relentless barrage.

Amid the chaos, Theresa “Tessie” McNamara, the factory’s switchboard operator, displayed extraordinary courage. As the fire spread and panic ensued, she remained at her post, connecting to each building and shouting warnings to the workers: “Get out or go up!” Thanks to her quick thinking, all 1,700 employees evacuated safely. Many fled across the frozen Hackensack River, slipping on ice and slogging through frigid water to escape the inferno. McNamara’s heroism earned her national recognition, including a commendation from the National Special Aid Society.

The destruction extended beyond the factory grounds. Explosions tore up two miles of railroad tracks, delayed shipments of goods, and disrupted train service to and from New York City. Hoboken Station became a scene of chaos, with 40,000 commuters stranded as they awaited news. Fires broke out in nearby homes, and residents scrambled to extinguish the flames. The destruction of munitions, which had been destined for the Russian army, also disrupted the Allied supply chain, demonstrating the vulnerability of America’s industrial contributions to the war effort.

Suspicion quickly fell on German agents. Investigators discovered that the fire had originated at the workstation of Theodore Wozniak, an employee with ties to Austria-Hungary, a German ally. Witnesses reported Wozniak acting nervously before the explosion, and he disappeared soon after the incident, evading authorities. Although a 1931 arbitration commission found insufficient evidence to prove German involvement, the circumstances strongly suggested sabotage. Many believed the explosion to be part of a larger campaign of espionage orchestrated by Germany to weaken the Allied war effort.

The Kingsland explosion intensified anti-German sentiment in the United States. Already under scrutiny, German-Americans faced increased suspicion and discrimination. The explosion, along with earlier acts of sabotage, solidified the perception of German agents as a direct threat to national security. This environment of fear and mistrust led to heightened surveillance of ethnic Germans and foreign nationals, curtailing civil liberties and further alienating communities that had long contributed to American society.

The Kingsland explosion was not just a local disaster; it was a defining moment in America’s path to World War I. While no lives were lost, the destruction underscored the nation’s vulnerability to external threats and accelerated preparations for war. The incident also highlighted the bravery and resilience of ordinary citizens like Tessie McNamara, whose actions saved countless lives amidst the chaos.

Today, the Kingsland explosion stands as a testament to the fragility of peace and the consequences of global conflict. It serves as a reminder of the costs of war, not only on distant battlefields but also in the lives of those caught in its ripple effects. The event also challenges us to reflect on the balance between national security and civil liberties, as the fear of sabotage often led to the unjust treatment of German-Americans. Remembering Kingsland means honoring the courage of its heroes, learning from its lessons, and striving for unity in times of crisis.