About Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion jolted the San Francisco East Bay area, shattering windows and lighting up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were killed instantly when two ships loading ammunition for Pacific troops exploded, resulting in the worst home front disaster of WWII. The aftermath illuminated the issues of segregation and racial inequality in the military.
Quick Facts
Location & Map
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is located in California.
Operating Hours
The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is located on Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) and is an active base. Due to its location, tours are only available with reservations on a ranger-guided tour. Public access to the memorial is through a two-week advance reservation process and only on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays. Allow for 1.5 hours beginning at 12:30 PM. No access Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and during Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) operations.
Activities
Getting There
The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is on an active military base, so it is only accessible by reservation. The shuttle picks up visitors with reservations at the John Muir National Historic Site. Please know that all visitors for the memorial must have a reservation. Please visit our website for information on how to obtain reservations.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Port Chicago Memorial Tour
The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is on an active military base and requires advance reservations. Please contact the…
Tours require advance reservations and guided, only.
Visitor Centers
Temporary Port Chicago Visitor Center
Important: The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial shuttle picks up visitors with reservations at the John Muir National Historic Site. Please know that all…
Hours: The park does not have an official visitor center. We currently pick up guests with reservations, at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, CA.
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