German Spies Detonated 2 Million Pounds of Explosives in New York Harbor in 1916: The Statue of Liberty's Torch Has Been Closed Ever Since | Military.com

This is an interesting story about the explosion that happened in New Jersey during World War One. 

As a nation, really didn't think about how to guard against infiltrators trying to prevent the sale of munitions, have a means to stop it (considering that may of the actors involved had served in the US military), or prosecute those responsible. 

 

https://www.military.com/daily-news/investigations-and-features/2025/12/29/german-spies-detonated-2-million-pounds-of-explosives-new-york-harbor-1916-statue-of-libertys-torch.html