Gunpowder Mill Explosions in the United States 1800-1865
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Biomedical Sciences
Minor
n/a
Institution
Morehead State University
KY House District #
86
KY Senate District #
25
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. Gary ODell
Department
History, Philosophy, Political Science, International & Legal Studies
Abstract
The manufacture of gunpowder has been a significant industry in the United States from the post-Revolutionary period to the end of the nineteenth century, when traditional “black powder” was replaced by “smokeless” powder. The product being highly combustible and explosive, the occupation was an extremely dangerous one. Consultation of historic newspaper archives located more than 160 powder mill explosions that took place in the United States during the period 1800-1865. The information contained in these accounts has been analyzed to determine the causes, magnitudes, and socioeconomic impacts of these explosions and relate this to the technological evolution of the industry.
Gunpowder Mill Explosions in the United States 1800-1865
The manufacture of gunpowder has been a significant industry in the United States from the post-Revolutionary period to the end of the nineteenth century, when traditional “black powder” was replaced by “smokeless” powder. The product being highly combustible and explosive, the occupation was an extremely dangerous one. Consultation of historic newspaper archives located more than 160 powder mill explosions that took place in the United States during the period 1800-1865. The information contained in these accounts has been analyzed to determine the causes, magnitudes, and socioeconomic impacts of these explosions and relate this to the technological evolution of the industry.