The Great New York Fire of 1835

great fire of 1835 - view of nyc Taken from Brooklyn heights on the same evening of the fire, Nicolino Calyo - New-York Historical Society

​On the bitter cold winter night of December 16, 1835 a fire caused by a burst gas pipe ignited by a coal stove broke out in lower Manhattan and burned for hours. The gale-force winds spread the flames rapidly across 17 city blocks. The frozen East River and Hudson River hampered the fire-fighting efforts. 

View of the ruins after the Great Fire of New Jork, 16 and 17 December 1835, as seen from Exchange Place, NYC - New-York Historical Society

More than 600 wood frame buildings were destroyed. The Hudson River Brick Industry flourished during the rebuilding process as more durable brick replaced the former wooden buildings. Watch at www.hrmm.org/lecture-series for upcoming Follow the River Lectures in 2023 to learn more about the Great Fire and the Brick Industry. Come visit the brick exhibit at the Hudson River Maritime Museum.

​Listen as The History Guy gives more details.

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