Split Rock, New York
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Split Rock is a hamlet in the Town of Onondaga in Onondaga County, New York. Today more a historic place than a community, Split Rock is a site of great interest to industrial archeology. The Solvay Process Company developed quarry operations here, delivering limestone used for the Solvay process by a remarkable elevated conveyor to the industrial plant at Solvay, New York. During World War I, Split Rock was the site of a munitions factory which exploded with tragic loss of life on 2 July, 1918. Today the area has largely reverted to natural growth, but retains intriguing ruins, including man-made tunnels as well as natural limestone caves.
The explosion of July 2, 1918 allegedly occurred after a mixing motor in the main TNT building overheated. The fire rapidly spread through the wooden structure of the main factory. Firefighting efforts were hampered by a loss of water pressure and the factory eventually exploded. Approximately 1-3 tons of TNT were involved in the blast, which leveled the structure and led to the death of 50 men (conflicting reports mention 52 deaths). Other factory buildings on the site were largely unaffected, and the production of picric acid, nitric acid, and other products continued throughout the remainder of the war.
Large quantities of TNT and picric acid awaiting shipment were stored in magazines and warehouses across a valley from the main factory. Luckily the fire did not spread or a far greater catastrophe would have ensued.
Other similar events (large explosions) include the Halifax Explosion, and the Texas City Disaster.
Split Rock High School was built in 1918 and served the community until 1950, when it merged with the Camillus, Fairmount, and Warners schools to form the West Genesee School District. Split Rock then became an elementary school within that District.
[edit] References
- Foley, Jasena. The Night the Rock Blew Up: Disaster at the Split Rock Munitions Works, July 2, 1918. Mark W. DeLawyer, ed. Interlaken, N.Y.: Heart of the Lakes Publishing.
[edit] External links
- Split Rock, New York is at coordinates Coordinates:
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