What happened on March 25 1911 in New York City?
On Saturday, March 25, 1911, at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in the heart of New York City, a lethal fire broke out on the factory floor, located at the top of the ten-story Asch Building near Washington Square East.
What happened on March 25 1911 in New York City and why was it so tragic?
In one of the darkest moments of America’s industrial history, the Triangle Shirtwaist Company factory in New York City burns, killing 146 workers, on March 25, 1911. The tragedy led to the development of a series of laws and regulations that better protected the safety of factory workers.
What tragedy in NYC killed many factory workers in 1911?

On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Company factory in New York City burned, killing 146 workers.
What was the 1911 NY fire about?
The fire led to legislation requiring improved factory safety standards and helped spur the growth of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union (ILGWU), which fought for better working conditions for sweatshop workers….Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.
Date | March 25, 1911 |
---|---|
Deaths | 146 |
Non-fatal injuries | 78 |
Was anyone held responsible for the Triangle Shirtwaist fire?
A fire breaks out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, killing 146 people. Factory co-owners Isaac Harris and Max Blanck are indicted on charges of manslaughter.
Who was charged in the shirtwaist fire?

Two weeks after the fire, a grand jury indicted Triangle Shirtwaist owners Isaac Harris and Max Blanck on charges of manslaughter. The trial of Harris and Blanck began on December 4, 1911 in the courtroom of Judge Thomas Crain.
What happened to Harris and Blanck after the fire?
On March 11, 1914, three years after the fire, Harris and Blanck settled. They paid 75 dollars per life lost. Harris and Blanck were to continue their defiant attitude toward the authorities.
Why were the doors locked at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory?
Doors at the Triangle company reportedly were usually locked during the workday, according to the NFPA. The doors were kept locked to prevent workers from taking breaks or stealing materials from the factory. Cutaway materials regularly accumulated on the factory floors.