-ad 101-

The Explosive Demise of Dublin’s Nelson’s Pillar in 1966

On March 8th, 1966, Nelson's Pillar on O'Connell Street in Dublin exploded and tumbled to the ground. Nobody was injured in the explosion and it was replaced by the Spire of Dublin built in 2002. Learn more about the history of the pillar and the immediate aftermath of the event!
-ad 104-

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.

A half-demolished Nelson's Pillar on O'Connell Street, Dublin. Source: National Library of Ireland
A half-demolished Nelson’s Pillar on O’Connell Street, Dublin. Source: National Library of Ireland

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.

Recommended For You

The Library, University of Pennsylvania
A Look Back at the University of Pennsylvania Library in 1904
ct001039.jpg
A Lovely Old Map of New Orleans Under French Control
06805u-1024x519.jpg
A Stunning Old Photograph of London Bridge in 1896
22208u-1024x660.jpg
Amazing Aerial Views of Tel Aviv from the 1930s
raquel-welch-810x1024.jpg
Comparing Beauty: Raquel Welch, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor in the 1960s
4a10541a-1024x801.jpg
A Glimpse of Detroit in 1915: An Incredible Photo from the Motor City
-ad 105-
-ad 103-

Featured Photos

Abraham Lincoln in 1863 by Mathew Brady
An Iconic Moment Captured: Mathew Brady's Photograph of Abraham Lincoln in 1863
Lauren Bacall and Marilyn Monroe attend the premiere of ‘How To Marry A Millionaire’ on November 4, 1953
A Glimpse Into the Glamour of 1960s Hollywood: Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall Attend the Premiere of 'How To Marry A Millionaire'
4a22827a.jpg
An Incredible Look at St. Paul, Minnesota From the Early 1900s to Today
shorpy_4a24893a.jpg
A Fascinating Look at Montreal 100 Years Ago
screen_shot_2016-08-21_at_10.42.59_pm.png
Exploring the City of St. Louis, Missouri in 1900 Through an Amazing Vintage Photo
shorpy-4a17971a.jpg
What Boston Looked Like in the 1890s: A Birdseye View of Charlestown & Bunker Hill Monument
photograph_of_the_flamingo_hotel_at_sunset_las_vegas_circa_mid_1950s.jpeg
A Mesmerizing Look at Las Vegas in the 1950s: An Old Photograph of the Flamingo Hotel at Sunset
The confluence of the Irtysh and Tobol rivers in the Russian Empire. Photograpy by Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii, 1912.
A Look Back at the Russian Empire 100 Years Ago
Donald Trump 1950s
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane: Rare Photo of Young Donald Trump
nypl.digitalcollections.510d47d9-4efc-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99.001.g-818x1024.jpg
Take a Look Back in Time: A Photo of New York in 1935

Get Your Daily Dose of History