Galveston Causeway: Target of sabotage?

On July 12, 1917, a watchman saw someone toss a lighted bomb from a northbound M.K. & T. train after it passed over the Galveston Causeway.

The Houston Chronicle reported that the man grabbed it and threw it into Galveston Bay. In doing so, he ended up burning his hand.

Maxwell Arentzen, a Philadelphia native who was enjoying a free ride on the freight train, was held on charges related to the attempted bombing. But he told authorities he was removed from the train before the bomb was to have been thrown. Investigators told the Chronicle his story appeared credible.

In its coverage, the Houston Press reported that had the bombing been successful, it "would suspend a flow of munitions for the allies through" Galveston.

Southern Pacific and federal officials combed the bay with hooks to find the explosive. No bomb was found in the days following the incident.