Museum or archive
Iroquois Theater Fire: Topics in Chronicling America
Library of Congress
Where this source supports the record
Each entry separates the article’s editorial relevance note from its exact, section-level claims. A bibliography link without a direct claim is labeled plainly.
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Fires · 30 December 1903Open article references →
The Iroquois Theatre Fire
Former Iroquois Theatre at 24–28 West Randolph Street · United States
Why editors use it herePrimary-newspaper guide documenting attendance, fire development, blocked exits, deaths, outrage, and reforms.
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Quick read
On 30 December 1903, stage scenery caught fire during a packed holiday matinee at Chicago's new Iroquois Theatre.
Reviewed 26 July 2026 -
Trigger and conditions
An arc light ignited a muslin scenery flat during the second act of Mr.
Reviewed 26 July 2026 -
Uncertainty
The final death total is commonly given as 602, with small variations based on later deaths and records.
Reviewed 26 July 2026 -
Why it matters
Iroquois was marketed as safe while multiple incomplete protections depended on one another.
Reviewed 26 July 2026
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Quick read