The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: Exploring Tragedy and Reform with Primary Sources
Posted by: Cheryl Lederle
On March 25, 1911, a fire swept through the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, killing 146 men and women, many of them recent immigrants. It was later discovered that the workers faced many obstacles as they tried to flee the fire: Doors were locked by the factory's management and the fire escapes were inadequate. This catastrophe, which led to a public outcry, prompted updates to labor laws and reforms to fire and safety regulations.
Posted in: Development of the Industrial United States (1877-1914)