Mobile Magazine Explosion 25 May 1865

On 25 May 1865, Army employees were loading surrendered ordnance into Marshall's Warehouse in Mobile when a presumed mishandled shell exploded, leaving a crater where the warehouse stood along with flattening good portion of the waterfront and severely damaging buildings further away in the city. The explosion was heard both at Fort Morgan and in Enterprise. Per a petition sent to the government by citizens of Mobile for relief, an employee of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad stated that railroad employees were apprehensive that due to seeing Army employees carelessly handing and tampering with the ordnance, that it would eventually explode.

The adage of "every sailor is a firefighter" was as true then as it is now, and sailors from the ships who were out in the bay responded to fight the fire and rescue civilians. Two sailors died fighting the conflagration and one was presented his second Medal of Honor for running into a burning building to rescue a man.

This event is why, despite the two cities age and shared cultural heritage, Mobile does not have a Antebellum neighborhood like New Orleans' French Quarter.

Acting Rear Admiral Henry K. Thatcher's report to SECNAV Gideon Welles of the incident:

US Naval Headquarters
No. 148 Canal Street
New Orleans, La, May 29th, 1865

Sir
I regret to inform the Department that a terrible explosion took place in Mobile on the 25th instant, resulting not only in the destruction of a considerable portion of the upper part of the city, but in great loss of life.

Marshall's Warehouse, where the ordnance stores which exploded were stored, was perhaps three quarters of a mile from the Flag Ship and fragments of shell fell on board that vessel. Immediately after the explosion Fleet Captain Commander Simpson repaired to the scene of disaster and rendered most valuable assistance. I forward herewith his report (enclosure No. 1) and desire to being to the notice of the Department the gallant conduct of Quartermaster Cooper as given in Commander Simpson's narrative.

The tug Cowslip (the only tug at my disposal) under the Command of Acting Master W. T. Bacon, rendered very efficient aid in towing out of danger three vessels which otherwise would have been destroyed. His report (no. 2) is enclosed. This officer on this, as on every other occasion, proved himself an officer of ability and energy.

Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
H. K. Thatcher
Acting Rear Admiral
Comdg W. G. Squadron

Hon. Gideon Welles
Secretary of the Navy
Washington

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Enclosure No. 1
Despatch No. 140

West Gulf Squadron
US Flag Ship Stockdale
Off City of Mobile, May 26 1865

Sir
I have to honor to report that on the afternoon of the 25th instant, a destructive explosion of ordnance stores occurred at Marshall's warehouse in this city. A portion of the ammunition surrendered to General Cauby by General Richard Taylor of the Confederate service had been placed in Marshall's Warehouse preparatory to transportation to the bomb proofs in the forts, and by some unexplained accident the explosion occurred at this place.

The entire adjoining portion of the City was shortly in flames and a fresh south with assisted the work of destruction.

The loss of line has not been ascertained but it is already known to be very large.

I visited the scene of the fire and with a large force of sailors was enabled to do some service, the presence of the sailors in the neighborhood of the exploding shells tending much to restore a partial feeling of confidence to the firemen and others, who were prevented by the bursting shells from working to advantage in extinguishing the fire.

I regret that two of our men were killed during the afternoon.

I desire to call your particular attention to the gallantry displayed by Quartermaster John Cooper, of the staff, a medal man of the USS Brooklyn, who, at the risk of being blown to pieces by exploding shells, advanced through the burning locality to rescue a wounded man from what would have been certain death. His efforts were successful and he returned carrying the man on his back.

Very Respectfully
E. Simpson
Fleet Captain

Act. Rear Admiral
H. K. Thatcher
Comdg. W. G. Squadron
Mobile, Ala.

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Enclosure No. 2
Despatch No. 140

US Str. Cowslip
Mobile Ala, May 26th 1865

Sir
I have the honor to report that at about 3.20 PM on the 25h instant, a few moments after the explosion of the magazine in Marshall's Warehouse, with your permission I got underweigh and proceeded to the scene of destruction. The schooner "Orville" loaded with hay, was lying very near some burning barges and in immediate danger. I took her in tow and brought her to a place of safety on the opposite side of the river. I then steamed up the river to where the "Kate Dale" was burning to see if there were any persons on board in need of assistance. I then ran back towards the fire and succeeding in saving the bark "W. E. Anderson" then at anchor opposite the burning pile and against which the hulk of a burning steamer was drifting, and also took the steamer "N. W. Thomas" in tow, and succeeding in anchoring them all safety beyond the reach of the fire. I then steamed up to the dock and finding I could render no further assistance, I returned to my former position near the Flag Ship.

While returning from the "Kate Dale" I despatched a boat to steamer "Tamanlipas" in charge of Acting Ensign A. Kalinski, to render her or others any assistance in his power. When he returned he reported that he had removed three wounded men from the "Tamalipas" to the "Sebago" and before returning, went on shore and reported to Commander Simpson for any duty to which he might assign him.

I cannot speak too highly of the officers and men under my command for the manner in which they performed their duties to which they were called.

I am very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Wm. T. Bacon
Acting Master, Commanding

To Acting Rear Admiral
H. K. Thatcher
Comdg W. G. Squadron
Mobile, Ala.

Deaths

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