Memorializing the Port Chicago 50; Discovering the Trial Site on Yerba Buena Island

The Port Chicago explosion, mutiny and trial near the end of World War II formed an early turning point in America's progress against racism.

Visitors and residents on the redeveloped Yerba Buena Island will learn about this history, and see the spot on the island where the Port Chicago 50 were tried and convicted on mutiny.

The Treasure Island Museum has discovered evidence of the exact location of the trial, which had previously been unrecorded. We are advocating for a memorial marking that place and honoring the 50 Black sailors.

And the Museum, along with our partners, is working to create a historic exhibit atop Yerba Buena, as an element of Hilltop Park. This project is a collaboration with the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial (National Park Service), Hood Design Studio, Treasure Island Development Group, and the Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA).

Learn more about the Port Chicago story, the design of the history element in Hilltop Park, and the discovery of the trial site on our YouTube playlist, and visit the Port Chicago exhibit on our website.

Find out how the lost trial site was discovered: