The Taino Gunpowder Mill was founded in 1914 by the French company Davey Bickford Smith. This gunpowder mill played a crucial role during both the First and Second World Wars, producing various types of fuses used in weaponry, as well as projectiles of all sizes, including anti-aircraft and anti-tank warheads. In the 1930s and 1940s, the company reached its peak production, employing over 2,000 people—effectively the entire population of the village of Taino at the time.
Historical Impact
The mill significantly influenced the development and economy of Taino. By providing direct employment to many villagers and creating indirect benefits for numerous external service providers, the gunpowder mill breathed life into the small village.
Tragedy Strikes
However, the relationship between the mill and the village was marred by tragedy. On July 27, 1935, one of the processing plants exploded, resulting in the deaths of 35 people. The main explosion occurred in the packing area, but the exact cause remains unknown. Despite the disaster, many locals had no other employment options and continued working at the mill.
Decline and Abandonment
After decades of decline, the Taino Gunpowder Mill finally closed in 1972. Since then, the property has remained abandoned, with crumbling buildings, deserted laboratories, and hazardous passageways spread across 70 hectares of overgrown vegetation. Ironically, the same vegetation that once concealed and protected the mill from aerial bombings during the world wars is now engulfing and contributing to its decay.
Legends and Myths
The combination of the site’s painful history and its current eerie state has given rise to numerous legends. The most common rumor is that the mill is haunted by ghosts. This is not surprising, given that the site has attracted thrill seekers, devotees of satanic sects, and graffiti artists over the years.
Visiting the Site
Know Before You Go:
- The Taino Gunpowder Mill is currently closed and in a state of abandonment.
- Entry is possible but at one’s own risk due to potential hazards from deteriorating structures and objects.
The Taino Gunpowder Mill stands as a haunting reminder of the village’s industrial past, marked by both prosperity and tragedy, and continues to capture the imagination of those who visit its ruins.
