New York & New Jersey Campaign > Great Fire of New York

Great Fire of New York

Background

The Great Fire of New York, which occurred on the night of September 20-21, 1776, was a devastating event during the early years of the American Revolutionary War. The fire broke out shortly after the British forces captured New York City, and it resulted in significant destruction of property and raised questions about its origins, with various theories and accusations arising in its aftermath.

Background:

1. British Capture of New York:

   • After their victory at the Battle of Long Island in August 1776, British forces under General Sir William Howe successfully captured New York City on September 15, 1776.
   • The city had been a key strategic objective for both the British and American forces due to its important port and position.

2. Tense Atmosphere:

   • The atmosphere in New York was tense following the British occupation. Many Patriot residents had fled the city, while Loyalists and British troops moved in.
   • The Continental Army, under General George Washington, had retreated to Harlem Heights and other positions north of the city.

The Fire:

1. Outbreak and Spread:

   • The fire began late in the evening of September 20, 1776. It started in the vicinity of Whitehall Slip, near the southern tip of Manhattan.
   • Fueled by strong winds and wooden buildings, the fire quickly spread through the city. The blaze raged for several hours, consuming buildings and creating chaos.

2. Extent of the Destruction:

   • The fire destroyed a significant portion of lower Manhattan, including about 400 to 1,000 buildings, approximately one-fourth of the city's infrastructure.
   • Key structures, such as Trinity Church, were burned down, while others, like St. Paul’s Chapel, narrowly escaped destruction.

3. Response and Containment:

   • British soldiers, Loyalists, and remaining residents worked to contain the fire, using buckets of water and demolishing buildings to create firebreaks.
   • The efforts to control the fire were hampered by the intensity of the blaze and the confusion caused by the sudden outbreak.

Aftermath and Impact:

1. Casualties and Displacement:

   • Despite the extensive property damage, there were relatively few casualties. However, many residents were left homeless and displaced by the fire.
   • The destruction compounded the difficulties faced by the city under British occupation, creating a humanitarian crisis for the displaced population.

2. Speculation and Theories:

   • The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it sparked numerous theories and accusations. Some British officials and Loyalists suspected that the fire was an act of arson by Patriot sympathizers aiming to deny the British a secure base.
   • General Howe conducted investigations and arrests, but no definitive evidence of arson was found. Some speculated that the fire was accidental, possibly caused by a spark from a kitchen fire or other source.

3. Impact on British Occupation:

   • The fire complicated the British occupation of New York City, as it destroyed many buildings that could have been used for housing troops and supplies.
   • The destruction created logistical challenges for the British administration and added to the costs of maintaining their control over the city.

4. Long-Term Effects:

   • The Great Fire of New York had lasting effects on the city’s development. Rebuilding efforts began soon after, and the fire influenced urban planning and construction practices, including the use of more fire-resistant materials.
   • The event also highlighted the vulnerabilities of cities to fires and the importance of organized fire-fighting efforts.

Significance:

• Symbol of Conflict: The Great Fire of New York became a symbol of the tumultuous period during the Revolutionary War, reflecting the chaos and destruction that accompanied the conflict.
• Mystery and Speculation: The fire's mysterious origins and the resulting speculation exemplify the tensions and suspicions that characterized the wartime environment.
• Impact on the War: While not directly altering the course of the war, the fire added to the challenges faced by the British in maintaining control over New York City and managing its occupation.

The Great Fire of New York remains a notable event in the history of the American Revolutionary War, illustrating the broader context of urban vulnerability, wartime tensions, and the impact of such disasters on both military and civilian populations.

New York & New Jersey Campaign Battles

• Ambush of Geary
• Battle of Fort Lee
• Fort Washington
• Battle of Harlem Heights
• Battle of Iron Works Hill
• Battle of Long Island
• Battle of Millstone
• Battle of Pell's Point
• Battle of Princeton
• Battle of the Assunpink Creek
• Battle of Trenton
• Battle of White Plains
• Crossing the Delaware River
• Forage War
• Great Fire of New York
• Landing at Kips Bay
• Staten Island Peace Conference

Sources

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources