Colorized Photographs

Historic Comparison in Color

The Port Chicago disaster occurred in an era when photographs were largely monochrome. Color film was not commercially available at the time, and its use was rare due to its expense. Thanks to modern photo editing software, we can recreate these images with much of the original color information preserved.

While colorized photos are not meant to be entirely accurate, they offer a fresh perspective on the past. Our goal is to respectfully present these images to viewers. To provide a more comprehensive view, we invite you to explore our original photos in the Photo Gallery page on our website.

Note: We are currently adding additional photos.


 

African American Stevedores Loading Munitions

Historic Black and white photo of African American sailors loading munitions onto a rail car. Historic Black and white photo of African American sailors loading munitions onto a rail car.

Left image
Historic Photo of sailors loading munitions.
Credit: POCH 2.115

Right image
Colorized historic photo of sailors loading munitions.
Credit: POCH 2.115

Historic photo of sailors loading munitions at Port Chicago. 

 

Sailors Loading Munitions at Port Chicago

Four African American sailors are seen loading munitions onto a large ship. Four African American sailors are seen loading munitions onto a large ship.

Left image
Historic black and white photo fo sailors loading muntions onto a ship at Port Chicago.
Credit: POCH 2.078

Right image
Colorized historic photo of sailors loading munitions onto a ship.
Credit: POCH 2.078

African American Stevedors load munitions onto a ship at Port Chicago. 

 

Disaster Aftermath

Historic Black and white photo of the disaster aftermath. Two cars and a lot of debris from buildings. Historic Black and white photo of the disaster aftermath. Two cars and a lot of debris from buildings.

Left image
Historic photo of the aftermath.
Credit: NPS Photo: POCH 2-113

Right image
Colorized photo of the disaster aftermath.
Credit: POCH 2-113

A look at the original and colorized version of one of the aftermath photos. 

 

Disaster Aftermath

Historic Black and white photo of the disaster aftermath. Railroad tracks and debris. Historic Black and white photo of the disaster aftermath. Railroad tracks and debris.

Left image
Historic photo of the aftermath. Railroad tracks and debris.
Credit: NPS Photo: POCH 2-056

Right image
Colorized photo of the disaster aftermath. Railroad tracks and debris.
Credit: NPS Photo: POCH 2-056

A look at the original and colorized version of one of the aftermath photos. 

 

Disaster Aftermath

Historic black and white photo of the damaged pier. Debris is everywhere. Bay water is seen. Historic black and white photo of the damaged pier. Debris is everywhere. Bay water is seen.

Left image
Historic black and white photo of the damaged pier.
Credit: NPS Photo: POCH 2-055

Right image
Colorized photo of the damaged pier.
Credit: NPS Photo: POCH 2-055

A look at the original and colorized version of one of the aftermath photos. 

Last updated: May 28, 2024

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