1920 Wall Street Bombing: A Moment in History

This image captures a pivotal moment in American history: the Wall Street bomb incident that occurred on September 16, 1920. A powerful explosion rocked the heart of New York Citys financial district during a busy lunch hour, killing over 30 people and injuring hundreds more. The blast was attributed to a horse-drawn wagon filled with explosives and over 100 pounds of heavy-weighted shrapnel, which resulted in significant destruction to the surrounding area. This horrific event starkly highlighted the tensions and unrest that marked the post-World War I era, as radical political movements gained traction across the nation.

Taken by a Bain News Service photographer, this glass negative serves as a historical document of the chaos that followed the explosion. In the aftermath, emergency responders and bystanders converged on the scene, showcasing the immediate human response to such violence. The image reflects the urgent efforts to aid victims, while also revealing the broader societal implications of the incident—including fears related to anarchism and political extremism, which were prevalent during the 1920s. These realities underscored the challenges that the United States faced as it grappled with its identity and safety in a rapidly changing world. The Wall Street bomb incident remains a key event in understanding the complexities of early 20th-century America.