The Great Molasses Flood of 1919: Boston's Sweetest Disaster
⚡Quick Summary
On January 15, 1919, a massive storage tank containing 2.3 million gallons of molasses burst in Boston's North End, unleashing a 25-foot wave of sticky syrup that traveled at 35 mph. The disaster killed 21 people, injured 150, and caused massive property damage. The molasses wave was so powerful it knocked buildings off their foundations and bent steel girders.
Key Facts: 2.3 million gallons • 25-foot wave • 35 mph speed • 21 deaths • 150 injuries • Months of cleanup
🤔Why This Is Weird
A flood of molasses sounds almost comical—until you understand the physics and devastation. Here's what makes this disaster truly bizarre:
Molasses Is Deadlier Than Water
Unlike water floods where you might swim or float, molasses is 1.5 times denser than water and incredibly sticky. Victims became trapped and suffocated in the thick syrup. The more they struggled, the deeper they sank. It was like drowning in quicksand made of sugar.
The Wave Moved at Highway Speed
When the tank burst, the pressure was so immense that molasses shot out at 35 mph—faster than most people can run. The 25-foot wave demolished everything in its path within seconds. People had no time to react or escape.
It Happened in Winter
The disaster occurred on a cold January day, but the day before had been unusually warm. This temperature fluctuation caused the molasses to ferment and expand, building pressure. Then when it flooded, the cold weather made the molasses even thicker and harder to escape from.
The Cleanup Was Impossible
Boston Harbor was brown for months. The molasses stuck to everything—buildings, streets, people. Cleanup crews used salt water to dissolve it, but it took weeks. Residents claimed they could smell molasses in Boston's North End for decades afterward, especially on hot summer days.
❌What People Get Wrong About This
MYTH: It Was a Slow, Sticky Mess
Reality: The initial wave moved at 35 mph with the force of a tsunami. It wasn't a slow ooze—it was a violent, explosive flood that demolished buildings, crushed vehicles, and killed people instantly. The wave was powerful enough to bend steel elevated train tracks.
MYTH: The Tank Was Old and Rusty
Reality: The tank was only 5 years old. The disaster was caused by poor construction—the company never properly tested the tank's integrity and ignored visible leaks. They painted it brown to hide the leaking molasses. This was corporate negligence, not aging infrastructure.
MYTH: It's a Funny, Quirky Story
Reality: This was a horrific industrial disaster. Twenty-one people died terrible deaths—drowning in molasses, crushed by debris, or suffocated. Survivors described hearing the screams of trapped victims they couldn't reach. It's one of Boston's deadliest disasters and led to major changes in construction regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the molasses tank to burst?
The tank burst due to structural failure caused by poor construction and design flaws. The company, United States Industrial Alcohol, never properly tested the tank's integrity. Temperature fluctuations caused the molasses to ferment and expand, building pressure. The tank's rivets were too weak, and when pressure peaked, the entire structure catastrophically failed.
How fast did the molasses wave travel?
The initial wave traveled at approximately 35 mph (56 km/h). At this speed, the 25-foot-high wave of molasses had immense destructive power. It knocked buildings off their foundations, crushed vehicles, and gave people virtually no time to escape. The wave's momentum carried molasses several blocks from the original tank location.
How long did the cleanup take?
The cleanup took over 87,000 man-hours and lasted several months. Workers used salt water from Boston Harbor to dissolve and wash away the molasses. The harbor water remained brown for months. Molasses residue stuck to buildings, streets, and infrastructure for years. Some Boston residents claimed they could still smell molasses on hot days decades later.
Who was held responsible for the disaster?
After a lengthy legal battle lasting six years, United States Industrial Alcohol was found liable for the disaster. The company paid out approximately $628,000 in settlements (equivalent to about $10 million today). This case established important legal precedents for corporate responsibility and led to stricter building codes and engineering standards in Massachusetts.
Why was there a giant tank of molasses in Boston?
The molasses was being stored for industrial alcohol production, which was used to make munitions during World War I and later for rum production. Boston was a major port, making it convenient for receiving molasses shipments from the Caribbean. The tank held 2.3 million gallons and was located in the densely populated North End neighborhood.
Can you still smell molasses in Boston today?
This is a popular Boston legend. Many residents claim that on hot summer days, you can still smell molasses in the North End. While this is likely psychological or due to other sources, the story persists as part of Boston folklore. The disaster site is now Langone Park, and a small plaque commemorates the tragedy.
What changes resulted from the Great Molasses Flood?
The disaster led to major reforms in engineering and construction standards. Massachusetts implemented stricter building codes requiring professional engineers to sign off on structural plans. The case established legal precedents for corporate liability and negligence. It's now studied in engineering schools as a cautionary tale about the importance of proper structural testing and safety protocols.
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✍️About the Author
Qutubuddin is the founder of Weird 'n' Silly, where he personally tests and reviews the internet's funniest products. Got a weird product in mind? Reach out here.
💖 A proud father of 3 lovely daughters and a cute son! 👨👧👧👧👦