Sportsman Park Fireworks Explosion

December 30, 1882

A fireworks factory exploded on the grounds of Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis. Neighbors and fans had complained for years that it wasn’t good to have an explosives factory next to a stadium.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.