Established journalism
The Mystery of the Hartford Circus Fire Still Lingers
New England Historical Society
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 · 6 July 1944Open article references →
The Hartford Circus Fire
Ringling Brothers circus lot on Barbour Street · United States
Why editors use it hereRegional historical reporting on the tent fire, rescue, casualties, unresolved identity questions, and remembrance.
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Quick read
During an afternoon Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey performance on 6 July 1944, fire raced across the waterproofed canvas big top in Hartford.
Reviewed 26 July 2026 -
Trigger and conditions
A flame appeared on the southwest sidewall during the Great Wallendas' act.
Reviewed 26 July 2026 -
Uncertainty
The official toll is commonly 168, but some research supports 167 because of duplicate or disputed identification.
Reviewed 26 July 2026 -
Why it matters
Temporary structures can gather permanent-building crowds without equivalent safeguards.
Reviewed 26 July 2026
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Quick read