March 25: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (1911)
Prayer Idea
Pray for people who work in dangerous conditions.
History Note
On March 25, 1911, hundreds of people were at work on the eighth, ninth, and tenth floors of a building in New York City. The Triangle Waist Company made shirtwaists (women’s blouses). Most of the workers were young immigrants from Europe.
A small spark, likely from a cigarette, quickly turned into a major fire as flames consumed the cotton and trash in the factory. The fire department responded, but their truck ladders could only reach the sixth floor.
The building’s fire escape system collapsed as workers crowded onto it. Others were unable to escape through the factory doors, which had been locked to prevent theft. Within 18 minutes, 129 women and 17 men were dead.
The owners of the factory were indicted on charges of manslaughter, but they were not convicted. The tragedy prompted the New York state legislature to create a commission that inspected factories, talked to workers, and hosted public hearings. New York and other states created laws to protect the health and safety of workers.
Learn More
Visit Homeschool History to find information about a memorial to the victims and other resources related to this tragedy. Please note that some of these resources may be too disturbing for younger students.
