On March 8th, 1966, a significant event occurred in Dublin, Ireland. Nelson’s Pillar, a landmark located on O’Connell Street, was destroyed in an explosion that caused it to collapse. The aftermath of this event is captured in a photograph that depicts the rubble that was left behind. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
Nelson’s Pillar had been a well-known structure in Dublin since it was erected in 1809 to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. The pillar stood at 121 feet and was a popular spot for tourists and locals to admire the city’s views. However, the decision to keep the statue of Nelson at the top of the pillar, which some saw as a symbol of British oppression, was controversial and led to calls for its removal.
The destruction of Nelson’s Pillar in 1966 sparked a public debate about the statue’s relevance and the future of the site. Ultimately, it was decided to replace the pillar with a new structure that would be a symbol of modern Ireland. Thus, in 2002, the Spire of Dublin, also known as the Monument of Light, was unveiled at the site. The Spire is a stainless steel structure that stands at 398 feet and has become a popular tourist attraction in Dublin. The destruction of Nelson’s Pillar marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Dublin’s cityscape.
There’s a pretty good book on the history of the pillar available on Amazon.
