Twenty-one Women Killed in Washington Arsenal Explosion

It was hot the morning of June 17, 1864. At the Washington Arsenal munitions were being made for the Civil War. Twenty-one young women, wearing the constrictive clothing of the time, dresses with high collars and hoop skirts, were sitting at a long table in what was called the choking room.

Their job was to put gunpowder in small paper tubes, then insert lead bullets into the powder-filled cylinders, then choking them off using a series of very small folds. This formed the small arms cartridges for Union army guns. Women were preferred for this job because they had slender fingers, they and were better able to pack the cartridges then men. It was work vital to the war effort.

The women were young. Mostly Irish immigrants. Some headed households since their husbands were off at war. They were poor and had to take whatever work was available, regardless the danger and brutal working conditions. No one was here by choice.

Outside of the building that day arsenal superintendent and fireworks expert Thomas Brown, someone who should have known better, set flares in metal pans to dry outside of the choking room. The sun heated the metal pans, and the flares went off. Sparks flew through an open window of the choking room igniting the gun powder.

The scene was horrific. Some women leapt from windows. Those who couldn’t die terribly. Eight bodies were unidentifiable.

Secretary of War Edwin Stanton sent the following order to arsenal commander:

The funeral and all the expenses incident to the internment of the sufferers by the recent catastrophe at the Arsenal will be paid by the Department. You will not spare any means to express the respect and sympathy of the Government for the deceased and their surviving friends.

President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton were among the mourners that crowded Congressional Cemetery three days later. Lincoln’s presences was not lost on those there. It was the first funeral he attended since burying his 11-year-old son, Willie

Seventeen of the women are buried below a monument funded by money donated by citizens. The statue on top was done by the Irish sculptor Lot Flannery. Its title is simply Grief.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Arlington National Cemetery: Secrets and Stories

Every working day more than twenty Americans who sacrificed for their country are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  On this tour we learn the secrets of Arlington's past and present and the fascinating stories of those buried here. And while Arlington's dead rest in peace, we'll see that they are still always working.  

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Hidden on Capitol Hill

Few people think beyond the Capitol when they think of the Hill. This tour takes you to the heart of a neighborhood with a fascinating history that still speaks to us today. Learn about these famous locations from a former Capitol Hill resident.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
1 to 6

Embassy Row: Divinity & Diplomats

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Duration
8 hours
Group Size
1 to 6

Customized Private Tours

There are no limits here! This tour is whatever you want it to be. See the part of Washington, DC you’ve always wanted to with an expert guide who has been in the city for more than thirty years. Our Washington Private Tours are perfect for those looking to learn more about DC in a fun and safe manner. See what you like for however long you like, accompanied by an expert guide!