100 Years ago today

NYC marks 100th anniversary of Triangle fire: Blaze in 10-story factory building killed 146; galvanized labor movement

The Triangle fire killed 146 people and helped to galvanize the U.S. labor movement. The victims were mostly young immigrant women, many of whom jumped to their death to escape the flames. The tragedy prompted many improvements in fire safety across the country, such as sprinkler installation and laws mandating fire drills.

Days after the fire, 100,000 mourners marched in a funeral procession through the streets of New York, while another 250,000 lined the route. Their grief built support for the right of garment workers to unionize.

I first learned of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in a book about disasters as a child. The idea of being trapped in a burning building with no recourse but to jump troubled me then, as it does now. These women died because the managers had locked their avenues of escape to prevent theft. The fire escape twisted and fell, sending many 100 feet down. Fire ladders could not reach the factory's floors, which were beyond six storeys. 62 people jumped to their death. Of those who died, 88% were women or girls. Six victims remained unidentified until last month.