Chatham Street Fire of 1811

The 1811 Chatham Street Fire in New York City started in a coach factory and rapidly spread, destroying nearly 100 buildings. High winds carried embers across Lower Manhattan, igniting additional fires, including the steeple of the Brick Church. A brave man, McCormick, climbed the church and cut away the burning sections, preventing a larger disaster. Firefighters eventually contained the blaze, but 52 buildings were lost, and firefighter William Peterson died. The fire prompted changes in city planning, including street realignments and infrastructure improvements.