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Lyndhurst, New Jersey: Heroine of the Kingsland Explosion

A plaque tells the story of Theresa "Tessie" McNamara, who sat at her switchboard while a half-million high explosive shells blew up around her. The site of the former ammo plant is now surrounded by a corporate office park.

Address:
245 Clay Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ
Directions:
Up the street from Medieval Times on Clay Ave. Exit Hwy 3 onto Rutherford Ave., then turn south onto either Polito Ave. or Garland Way, then turn left onto Wall St. W., then bear right onto Clay Ave. Park as far south as you can in the lot on the right. A little further south on Clay Ave. is a flagpole and a tiny marker.
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Visitor Tips and News About Heroine of the Kingsland Explosion

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Evidence of 1917 explosion.

Kingsland Explosion of 1917

Smokestack of the Canadian Car Foundry Co. Ltd is all that is left from the Kingsland (now Lyndhurst) explosion of 1917.

[Phil Smith, 10/24/2004]

The ammo plant blew up on January 11, 1917, completely destroying its buildings. A plaque tells the story of Theresa "Tessie" McNamara, Heroine of the Explosion, who sat at her switchboard and warned everyone to get out. A half-million shells blew up but no one died. The site is now encircled by a corporate office park.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Medieval Times Dinner TheatreMedieval Times Dinner Theatre, Lyndhurst, NJ - < 1 mi.
Multiplism Yard ArtMultiplism Yard Art, Rutherford, NJ - 2 mi.
Four Chaplains MonumentFour Chaplains Monument, Kearny, NJ - 3 mi.
In the region:
Where Benedict Arnold's Pal was Hanged, Tappan, NY - 17 mi.

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