The Legacy of the Allegheny Arsenal
The Allegheny Arsenal, a significant historical landmark in Pittsburgh, PA, has a rich history that goes back to the early nineteenth century. Established in 1814, this arsenal played a crucial role in the American Civil War, serving as a manufacturing and supply center for the Union Army. However, a tragic explosion in 1862 marked a dark chapter in its history. This article delves into the fascinating history of the Allegheny Arsenal, the explosion that shook its foundations, and the present-day efforts to preserve the remnants of this historical site.
Founding the Allegheny Arsenal
The establishment of the Allegheny Arsenal can be traced back to 1814 when the U.S. Army Ordnance Department strategically positioned the arsenal near Pittsburgh. Spanning a sprawling area of 30 acres, the site was adjacent to the Allegheny River in Lawrenceville. It was a key location, serving as a lifeline for the troops in the west.
The arsenal was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, a renowned architect of the time, and it quickly became an integral part of Pittsburgh’s economic and social life. Its location was significant, as it facilitated communication and supply to the western frontiers, making it a strategic asset for the U.S. Army.
The Allegheny Arsenal’s Role in the Civil War
The Allegheny Arsenal’s importance was amplified during the Civil War when the production of cartridges became a high priority. The workforce at the arsenal swelled from a modest 308 to over 1100 workers. The arsenal was equipped with a main lab that employed 158 workers, the majority of whom were women tasked with making cartridges.
The arsenal’s peak years coincided with the Civil War, and it served as a critical supply and manufacturing center for the Union Army. It produced gunpowder, cartridges, harnesses, and other essential equipment, making it pivotal to the war effort.
The Allegheny Arsenal Explosion: A Tragic Day in Pittsburgh
The seventeenth day of September 1862, witnessed one of the most devastating industrial accidents in American history. On this fateful afternoon, a series of explosions at the Allegheny Arsenal led to a massive fire that claimed the lives of 78 workers, most of whom were young women. The tragedy unfolded around 2 pm when the first explosion occurred, followed by two more in quick succession.
The explosions were so powerful that they shattered windows in the surrounding community and were heard as far away as two miles. The cause of the explosion remains a point of contention, with theories suggesting that a spark from a horse’s metal shoe or an iron-rimmed wagon wheel ignited loose powder on the ground, setting off a catastrophic chain of events.
Investigation and Aftermath
In the wake of the disaster, a coroner’s jury held that the accident resulted from the negligent conduct of Col. John Symington and his subordinates, who allowed loose powder to accumulate on the arsenal’s grounds. However, an ensuing military inquiry exonerated Col. Symington from any wrongdoing.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the explosion, the disaster left an indelible mark on Pittsburgh’s history, becoming the single largest civilian disaster during the Civil War. The tragic incident also overshadowed the Battle of Antietam, which occurred on the same day.
Monument: A Tribute to the Victims
A monument was erected in the Allegheny Cemetery to honor the victims of the explosion. The monument, dedicated in 1928, replaced an earlier marble shaft that had become illegible over the years. The monument lists the names of all the victims and features a dedicatory text transcribed from the original monument.
Allegheny Arsenal: Post-Civil War Years
Despite the tragedy, work at the Allegheny Arsenal continued, and a new lab was constructed the following year. After the Civil War, the arsenal primarily served as a storage facility for the Ordnance Department and Quartermaster Corps.
By the early 1900s, the War Department consolidated its operations in the arsenal’s western half, leaving the other half surplus. This surplus land was converted into Arsenal Park and was dedicated on the Fourth of July, 1907.
The Legacy of the Allegheny Arsenal
Today, the site of the Allegheny Arsenal is home to the nine-acre Arsenal Park, the Arsenal Middle School, a county health services complex, and a large condominium development. The remnants of the arsenal remind us of the site’s historical significance and the tragic event that marked its history.
Despite the passage of time, efforts are being made to preserve the arsenal’s remnants. In 2012, officials from the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation initiated efforts to draw attention to the deteriorating arsenal structures. These efforts aim to ensure that the legacy of the Allegheny Arsenal is preserved for future generations.
The Allegheny Arsenal’s history is a testament to America’s past, marked by periods of industry, war, and tragedy. Its story serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of preserving our historical landmarks. As we look back at the Allegheny Arsenal’s history, we are reminded of the pivotal role it played in the American Civil War and the lives that were forever changed by the tragic explosion of 1862.
