iBoston.org is your site for Boston history and architecture. In addition, you can find
information on Boston's public places, art, historic people and events. iBoston also
has a research area where you can learn how Boston grew physically as well as in
population.
November 10th, 1872
Boston's Fire of 1872 - Before and After
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On this day,
much of old colonial Boston vanished forever.
In just 20 hours, fire destroyed 75 million (1872) dollars of property.
Considering the fire covered only 65 acres the loss is unparalleled.
Fire fighters could not contain the blaze as it spread from the top of
tall buildings. The only way to contain the fire was to form a fireline
by demolishing buildings with gunpowder. 2,100 militia moved into the
city to prevent looting, and stop a civilian demolition of buildings.
The human costs jobs, homes and public services being destroyed was phenomenal.
With the aid of other cities Boston rebuilt, and grew building a new Trinity
Church, establishing the Boston
Public Library, a Symphony and quickly growing
in population after the disaster.
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From the writers of iBoston.org |
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