The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (Great Historic Disasters)

Conditions were harsh in tenement factories all over New York City, but they were especially difficult at one in particular. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, located near the city's Washington Square Park, made history on March 25, 1911, when a devastating fire destroyed the top three floors of the building in which it was located. One hundred and forty-six young women and several men died in what was the worst workplace disaster to take place in the United States to that date. The lack of fire sprinklers or extinguishers, a safe fire escape, and working elevators, coupled with cluttered and unsanitary conditions, all contributed to the blaze. But what really ignited the public's outrage was the disregard by the owners and others in authority to establish and maintain a safe working environment in the first place. The tragic fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory spawned dozens of reforms and legislation for workplace safety. It also cultivated an awakening attitude of social awareness and responsibility nationwide.