Great New York City Fire of 1845

Date: July 19, 1845 • Location: New York City, United States

A fire in Manhattan, New York City, destroyed 345 buildings, killed 30 people, and caused at least $5 million in damage.

The Great New York City Fire of 1845 broke out on July 19, 1845, in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The fire started in a whale oil and candle manufacturing establishment and quickly spread to other wooden structures. It reached a warehouse at 38 Broad Street where combustible saltpeter was stored and caused a massive explosion that spread the fire even farther.