Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

In 2009, the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was erected in Concord, California. It is the 392nd unit of the National Park Service, meaning it is run by them. The memorial offers many things for visitors to gain from it. It is about loss of life, discrimination, segregation, and basically the beginnings of civil rights in America. It's also a site meant for visitors to learn about past mistakes in history to help us grow from them.

Port Chicago suffered from a disaster in 1944, when an explosion totally destroyed the area. The memorial reflects this disaster, as well as such things as mutiny trials, court martial, and pardons. 320 men were killed during the explosion. They were loading munitions for the Pacific theatre troops. Not enough safety during this loading was the reason for the explosion. Public access to the memorial is offered Wednesday through Saturdays 10am to 1:30pm. It takes about 1.5 hours to tour. The site is free to visit, though it is important to get reservations to make certain you'll be able to get in to see the site. There is also a free shuttle for visitors.