1-2 Hours
Port Chicago Memorial Tour
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is on an active military base and requires advance reservations. Please contact the park for more information.
Visiting the Memorial Important: The memorial is on an active military base and requires advance reservations. Please see our website for details on how to reserve a tour. Please be aware that the base is not always available for tours. A guided tour of the Port Chicago disaster starts with visitors being picked up in a park shuttle at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, California. A ranger will provide interpretive dialog which helps the visitor to learn more about the Port Chicago disaster. Being at the memorial allows the visitor to stand where the explosion took place, as well as viewing the dedication memorials that provide names and information about this historical event. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions. The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is a memorial dedicated in 1994 recognizing the dead of the Port Chicago disaster, and the critical role played by Port Chicago, California during World War II. The memorial is located at the Concord Naval Weapons Station near Concord, California, in the United States. The 1944 Port Chicago disaster occurred at the naval magazine and resulted in the largest domestic loss of life during World War II. 320 sailors and civilians were instantly killed on July 17, 1944, when the ships they were loading with ammunition and bombs exploded. The majority of the deaths were African American sailors working for the racially segregated military. The explosion and its aftermath led to the largest Naval mutiny in US history, and it and the subsequent trial became major catalysts for the United States Navy to desegregate following the war. Reservations are Required (click for more information)
Tags
Guided ToursAfrican American HeritageMaritimeCoastal DefensesMaritime - MilitaryMilitaryUS NavyMonuments and MemorialsCivil RightsWorld War IIPort Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorialport chicagoCaliforniaWWIIdisaster
Visitor Photos
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Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
Visitors with physical/mobility needs: Visitors are picked up in NPS vehicles that are equipped with wheelchair lifts, and driven to and from the memorial. The park film is shown in the John Muir NHS visitor center. The memorial grounds are level and wheelchair accessible. There is seating provided at the memorial grounds. A park wheelchair is available on request. Information for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Visitors have park wayside exhibits, park handouts, and the park website for information about the park. Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is dedicated to providing a rich experience for all visitors, and we are happy to offer sign language interpretation for public programs upon request. Because we do not have a sign language interpreter on staff, please contact the park with your request at least two weeks in advance of your visit, or when you’re making your tour reservation. Our park films volume can be adjusted. Blind/Low vision: Park wayside exhibits are in large fonts for easy reading. The memorial grounds are level and clear of obstructions. The memorial itself has names etched in granite which are easily touched to determine the name. Braille Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial booklets are available, but not large print Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Unigrids (NPS standard brochures). Learning disability: All tours are led with the visitor (s) in mind. Park Rangers are able to adapt to visitor interpretive needs. Contact the park by email or phone to request modifcations prior to your tour, or speak to a ranger once you've arrived at the park. Sign-Language Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is dedicated to providing a rich experience for all visitors, and we are happy to offer sign language interpretation for public programs upon request. Because we do not have a sign language interpreter on staff, please contact the park with your request at least two weeks in advance of your visit, or when you’re making your tour reservation. Contact Us Please use this email link to contact a park ranger or to request a brochure. You may also call us at the listed number: Phone: (925) 228-8860 Ext. 6520 Email the park Mailing Address: Port Chicago C/O John Muir NHS 4202 Alhambra Ave Martinez, CA 94553
Pets
Yes — Please be aware that pets are not allowed at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, unless they are Service Animals. The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government.
Reservations
Yes — Advance reservations are required. The memorial is on an active military base. Please see our website for more information.
Location
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial.