Database: The Great Fire of New York

Fire devastates Manhattan. Trinity Church burned. Rebels thought responsible.

A great fire spread through New York on the 21st, that being Saturday before last. The fire began near Whitehall Slip, likely in the Fighting Cocks Tavern known for untoward behavior. A south-westerly wind quickly spread the flames north through the streets, putting many out of their homes. These citizens took what goods they could and found relative safety on the town commons. The wind then shifted and burned most of the city from Broadway to the Hudson. Burning ashes from shingles were carried by the winds across street and to far buildings. The roof of Trinity Church soon caught fire and the Church burned in minutes.

With little fire department left in the city, Royal soldiers essayed to put out the flames, but these efforts were largely ineffective, and the fire raged through the night. Happily, St. Paul's Chapel was saved by volunteers bringing buckets of water to drench its roof.

Very near five hundred homes and buildings have been destroyed.

Those responsible for the fire are unknown; however, it is no mystery that the Rebels would wish difficulties for the Kings soldiers, who have so recently and valiantly taken hold of the city. An investigation has begun by General Howe.