A giant wave of molasses once flooded the streets of Boston.

U.S. History

O n January 15, 1919, more than 2 million gallons of molasses spewed through Boston's North End in an event known today as the Great Molasses Flood. The incident occurred due to a faulty storage tank managed by United States Industrial Alcohol, a distilling company. The massive storage vat measured 50 feet high with a diameter of 90 feet, and was known to rumble and leak from the time it was built in 1915. These issues occurred in part because the walls were only 0.31 to 0.67 inches thick, far too thin to contain the weight of a full tank of molasses.

On January 12 and 13, 600,000 gallons of molasses were pumped into the tank, filling it to capacity. This, coupled with temperature fluctuations that affected both the molasses and the vat itself, put an added strain on the tank. Two days later, the container burst from the pressure, sending a 40-foot-high wave of molasses gushing through the streets at a speed of up to 35 miles per hour. The destructive force of gooey liquid destroyed buildings and claimed 21 lives, requiring 87,000 worker hours to clean up in the event's aftermath. For years after, residents claimed the area reeked of molasses on warmer days.

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By the Numbers

Length (in miles) of Boston's first subway system, built in 1897

1.5

Average percentage of sugar content in molasses

50%

Did you know?

A "Sacred Cod" hangs in the Massachusetts State House.

While cod is known to many as a delicious food, the fish holds a more hallowed meaning within the Massachusetts State House. An unusual wooden effigy known as the "Sacred Cod" hangs from the building's ceiling, a tradition that originated back in the 18th century. According to local legend, the inaugural cod was installed in the Old State House before the building was destroyed by a fire in 1747. A replacement fish was later stolen, and in 1784, a third cod was unveiled that still exists today. The nearly 6-foot-long wooden fish serves as a memorial to the importance of the state's cod fishing industry. The current Sacred Cod was briefly fishnapped as a prank by students at Harvard University in 1933; upon its return, the fish was hung 6 feet higher for added security.