Washington Arsenal Explosion Commemoration

[L Verge]

Those who are members of the Surratt Society know that my friend and colleague, Joan Chaconas, recently did an article for the Courier related to the June 1864 explosion at the Washington Arsenal that killed so many female workers.

I just received this invitation to a commemoration ceremony: Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is commemorating a Civil War Sesquicentennial anniversary and a somber moment in its history at a ceremony being held to honor the lives of 21 young, women war-workers who were killed in an explosion at the Washington Arsenal (now Fort McNair) while making ammunition for the Union Army in June of 1864.

Joint Base Commander Col. Fern Sumpter is honored to invite you to join her at this ceremony being held on the grounds of Fort McNair in southwest Washington D.C.

Unfortunately, this is by invitation only, but it is so nice to see the history of the Fort McNair area being remembered. It's a grand old post - second only (I think) to West Point in years as an army post.