The Kingsland Explosion

The Dave Bowman Show

Welcome to Dave Does History, where we dig into the stories that shaped America, often in ways you might not expect. Today, we’re heading back to January 11, 1917—a day when the quiet town of Kingsland, New Jersey, erupted into chaos as explosions rocked the Canadian Car and Foundry munitions plant. It was a time when World War I felt like a distant European affair, yet acts of suspected sabotage on American soil—like the Kingsland explosion—brought the war to our doorstep. This wasn’t just about a factory; it was about espionage, heroism, and a nation wrestling with fear and identity. How did a single fire destroy half a million artillery shells, and what did it mean for German-Americans already under suspicion? We’ll uncover the truth behind the flames and why this moment still resonates today. Buckle up—this is history that hits close to home.