The Great Fire of 1835

The Great Fire of 1835 was a destructive blaze that swept through parts of New York City on December 16, 1835. It started in a warehouse and quickly spread due to wooden buildings, strong winds, and inadequate fire-fighting resources. The fire destroyed many neighborhoods, including bustling commercial areas and homes, causing extensive property loss and displacing families. This disaster highlighted the city’s vulnerabilities and led to improvements in firefighting techniques and fire safety regulations, shaping the future of urban fire prevention.