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The Great Molasses Flood: A Sweet Disaster in Boston’s History

You may have heard of the Boston Tea Party, but another significant event looms large in the collective memory of Bostonians: the Great Molasses Flood. This peculiar disaster unfolded on January 15, 1919, when a massive tank filled with molasses ruptured and unleashed an avalanche of sticky syrup across Boston’s North End, resulting in dire consequences.

The sudden torrent claimed the lives of 21 individuals and injured around 150 more, along with causing extensive destruction to homes and businesses. To those unfamiliar with the event, the concept of a molasses flood might seem amusing, yet as Ayo Edebiri highlighted on Late Night With Seth Meyers, the gravity of the situation is not lost on locals who appreciate the enduring impact of this event.

Though an event of this oddity is unlikely to recur, the anniversary of the Great Molasses Flood serves as a poignant reminder of the negligence that led to such a disastrous scenario, highlighting how even the gentlest of substances can become agents of disaster.

Understanding the depth of the Great Molasses Flood begins with grasping the sheer volume of molasses involved. A tank towering 50 feet and 19 feet in diameter erupted, releasing approximately 2.3 million gallons of molasses. The resulting wave surged to heights of 40 feet and traveled at an astonishing 35 miles per hour. Such speeds and heights would have posed a danger with any liquid, but the considerable density of molasses made it especially formidable. It was not simply a wave of syrup; it was a mass of thick liquid that severely impeded movement.

Historian Stephen Puleo, author of Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, likened the incident to a small tidal wave that burst from the failing tank and unleashed chaos as it traversed the streets. The wave swept away anything in its path, including people, animals, vehicles, and debris, resulting in severe injuries from collisions with these objects.

The power of the molasses wave was such that it damaged infrastructure, including the overhead railway trestle, nearly causing a train to crash onto the street below as it passed overhead.

Emergency responders, including firefighters and sailors, rushed to the scene in an effort to save those trapped amid the viscous flood and the debris that had been displaced. The emergency was compounded by the winter chill, which caused the molasses to harden and thicken, complicating rescue efforts. Firefighters adeptly navigated the thick substance using ladders, while some victims were reportedly dug out, emphasizing just how sticky and impenetrable the floodwaters had become.

The Great Molasses Flood stands out as a horrifying example of preventable disaster. The tank that unleashed this deluge was the responsibility of the United States Industrial Alcohol Company (USIA), designed for storing molasses intended for alcohol production. The tank was poorly constructed, with walls insufficient to withstand the weight of its contents, and locals reportedly complained about unusual sounds coming from it when it was filled.

Moreover, the USIA neglected to conduct appropriate tests on the tank prior to its use. Local children had even noticed leaks before the catastrophe, further underscoring the warnings that were ignored.

Dorr v. United States Industrial Alcohol Company

The aftermath of the flood led to one of the first significant class-action lawsuits against a corporation in the United States, known as Dorr v. United States Industrial Alcohol Company. This landmark case, resulting in the company being held accountable for the disaster, culminated in a settlement of $628,000 in damages, an amount that translates to over $11 million today. This case set a precedent for future corporate responsibility and regulation.

Puleo points out that Dorr v. USIA ultimately transformed the relationship between government oversight and corporate accountability, establishing standards for construction and safety that are still in place today. The lessons learned from the flood led to more stringent regulations requiring architectural and engineering plans to receive governmental approval prior to construction.

Even after the emergency response concluded, the clean-up process for the millions of gallons of molasses proved to be immense. Residents claimed that for many years, the sweet scent lingered in the air during Boston’s sweltering summers, serving as a constant reminder of the flood’s impact on their community.

The Great Molasses Flood, a unique combination of absurdity and tragedy, continues to be a source of fascination and education. Students at Harvard have examined the science behind the tank’s failure and the mechanics of the flood. The disaster has also inspired children’s literature and guided tours for those wishing to learn more about this unusual part of Boston’s history. Public interest, spurred by cultural references and ongoing discussions, ensures that the memories of this event remain both vibrant and cautionary.

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