Wall Street Bombing, 1920
On this day in 1920, a bomb exploded outside Federal Hall on Wall Street, killing 38 people and injuring hundreds more. A man driving a horse-drawn cart had stopped in front of the US Assay Office, next to Federal Hall and across from JP Morgan's headquarters and the Stock Exchange. The many quickly disappeared into the crowd and minutes later the cart exploded, instantly killing 30. The New York Stock Exchange was immediately closed, and JP Morgan's chief clerk was killed.
There were many theories into the bombing; attempted assassination of JP Morgan, who turned out to be in Europe; an attempt to rob the Sub Treasury, which planned to transport $900 million in gold bars that day; or communists who wanted to send a message, at the center of American capitalism.
The FBI was never able to solve the case but pointed towards Italian anarchists, confirming it was an intentional act of terrorism, then the deadliest in the United States.
Today you can still see the damage on the limestone facade of 23 Wall (JP Morgan Building) from the bomb's shrapnel.
Shrapnel imprint on north facade of JP Morgan Building, 23 Wall Street.