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The Great Fire of Boston-1872

Started by brandm24, March 19, 2023, 11:18:13 AM

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brandm24

On Saturday morning of November 9th 1872 a fire erupted in a building at 83 Summer St. in downtown Boston. It quickly spread but before it was finally contained late on the following day, it had destroyed nearly 800 buildings at a loss estimated at 75 million dollars. At 2008 prices it was equivalent to 1.3 billion dollars. It was an enormous sum and places it as one of the most costly fires in US history. Tragically, the blaze also cost the lives of two firefighters and about twenty civilians. While the cause of the fire was never discovered the result devastated 66 acres of downtown Boston commercial and residential properties.

Though the city had a highly trained and well equipped fire department, their efforts were hampered by several factors. In the construction of buildings of the day many highly combustible materials were used. This allowed the fire to spread quickly. Even more importantly, the department suffered a severe shortage of horses needed to draw the heavy fire equipment due to an outbreak of equine disease (See attached image). To hinder their efforts further, many of the city's water mains and infrastructure were outdated and unreliable.

Within 30 minutes nine engine companies of the Boston Fire Department were called out to fight the blaze as  the severity of the situation became apparent. Despite their determined efforts they were quickly overwhelmed by the resulting firestorm that engulfed the city. At that point urgent pleas were sent out by telegraph for assistance from other departments. Many suburban companies and even units from out of state responded, including some from Connecticut and New Hampshire.

Desperate attempts were made to create firebreaks by leveling whole city blocks with black powder explosives, but their efforts fell short. It wasn't until a heroic stand by firefighters to save the Old South Meetinghouse on Milk St. that the tide finally turned. Interestingly, it was Kearsarge Engine 3 from Portsmouth, New Hampshire that was credited with saving the old Boston landmark from destruction.

This commemorative counterstamped coin was possibly made by someone who helped fight the fire or lived in the city at the time. The hole suggests that that person wore it as a remembrance of those tragic events. Unfortunately, we'll never know for sure. Nevertheless, it's an important historical artifact that has fortunately survived all these years .   

BruceGreat Fire 1.jpgGreat Fire 2.jpgGreat Fire 3.jpgGreat Fire 4.jpgGreat Fire 5.jpg     
Always Faithful

krishna


brandm24

Thanks for showing us the coin, krishna. I've seen a number of this type of coin/token in remembrance of these horrible events. I believe some were issued for fires in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere. I don't recall any homemade counterstamped coins like this though. Somehow I vaguely remember another Boston issue, but it may well have been this very same coin...sold or displayed years earlier.

In any case, as they say, if only it could talk......

Bruce
Always Faithful

THCoins

Very tangible pieces of history !

brandm24

Yes, it brings events into clearer focus when you understand the nature of the tragedy and the resulting consequences. More importantly, It's a testament to the courage and determination of human beings in the face of adversary. The fact that firefighters from distant jurisdictions fought as hard as anyone to save the city speaks volumes.

Bruce
Always Faithful