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Today in History — March 25: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
Library of Congress
Cross-File evidence ledger
Where this source supports the record
Each entry separates the File’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 · 25 March 1911Open File evidence →
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
The Asch Building, now NYU’s Brown Building · United States
Why editors use it hereLibrary of Congress synthesis and primary-source gateway for the fire, victims, criminal trial, labor response, and reforms.
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Quick read
Fire swept through the upper floors of the Triangle Waist Company near Washington Square, killing 146 workers.
Reviewed 24 July 2026 -
Trigger and conditions
A fire began near the end of the Saturday workday.
Reviewed 24 July 2026 -
Uncertainty
The identity of the first material ignited and the exact ignition source were never conclusively established.
Reviewed 24 July 2026 -
Why it matters
Triangle connects a single building to the history of labor rights, immigration, fire codes, regulatory enforcement, and public responsibility.
Reviewed 24 July 2026
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Quick read