"Sticky History: The Day the Streets of Boston Ran Sweet "

The Great Molasses Flood, also known as the Boston Molasses Disaster, was a tragic event that occurred on January 15, 1919, in the North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It involved the bursting of a large tank filled with molasses, resulting in a devastating flood that swept through the streets.

The molasses tank was owned by the United States Industrial Alcohol Company and was situated near Keany Square. The tank was approximately 50 feet (15 meters) tall and contained around 2.3 million gallons (8.7 million liters) of molasses used in the production of industrial alcohol.

Due to the unusually warm weather on that day, the molasses inside the tank expanded, putting immense pressure on the structure. Tragically, the tank could not withstand the pressure, and it ruptured, releasing a massive wave of sticky molasses at an estimated speed of 35 miles per hour (56 km/h). The wave was about 25 feet (7.6 meters) high and quickly flooded the surrounding area.

The force of the molasses flood caused significant destruction. Buildings were lifted from their foundations, and streets were engulfed, trapping people and animals in the sticky and viscous substance. The disaster claimed the lives of 21 people and injured around 150 others. Additionally, numerous horses and other animals were also killed.

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