True Life Tuesday: Bath School Explosion

Unfortunately it seems like we are used to hearing about school shootings. Columbine, Virginia Tech, Stoneman Douglas, and the list goes on. However, most people have never heard of the Bath School Explosion which remains the deadliest school massacre in American history almost 100 years later.

Bath is a small town in Clinton County Michigan about 10 miles from the capital of Lansing. At the time of the explosion there were about 300 residents in the town. The Bath Consolidated School building was erected in 1922 and had 314 students from around the area.

On May 18, 1927 - the last day of school - at 8:45 am an explosion ripped through the north wing of the building. The explosions was so large that the boom was heard several miles away. As community members rushed to dig through the rubble for survivors school board member Andrew Kehoe pulled up in his truck. Kehoe exited the vehicle, took his rifle and shot at the truck which was filled with dynamite and shrapnel. The explosion killed Kehoe along with the superintendent and several other bystanders. In total 44 people - including 38 students - were killed. During the search another 500 pounds of dynamite were found near the basement along with a gas can. 

Before the explosion Kehoe killed his wife, 2 of his horses and burned down his farm house. On a fence post outside the farm a sign was found that said "Criminals Are Made, Not Born." Kehoe was known for his temper. It is speculated that the foreclosure of his farm along with tax increases drove him over the edge. 

Within a year the school was rebuilt and was used until the 1970's. It was then torn down and a memorial park was put in its place.