2-791-549 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Burning of the Washington Hotel, New York, 1844. 'The fire was first discovered at about half-past ten, A. M. [on 4 July]...it was then perceived bursting out from the eaves of the building along the roof, and is supposed to have originated from sparks lodged on the roof, by the firing of rockets, at the Independence Commemoration. The fire continued to rage slowly but surely, as from its height and the headway it had got under before it was discovered, it was found utterly impossible to suppress it. The firemen with their engines and apparatus were on hand at an early hour, but without being able to do anything except to save the adjoining buildings'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.