Distinguish Jacksonville: The Great Fire of 1901

[Metro Jacksonville]

Distinguish Jacksonville: The Great Fire of 1901



In just over eight hours on May 3, 1901, a small fire, started in a LaVilla mattress factory, would sweep through 146 city blocks of Jacksonville, destroying over 2,000 buildings, taking seven lives, and leaving almost 9,000 people homeless in the process.  This tragic event would eventually be known as the Great Fire of 1901, the third largest urban fire in American history behind the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Chicago Fire of 1871.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/292

[James]

The history of the Great Fire is truly interesting. It amazes me how many people who live in Jacksonville have no clue about it. I remember all of the 100 year anniversary dedications in May of 2001, it was great to be a part of them. We have so much history in our great city.

[Jason]

What a great article.  It is amazing how many don't know about it.

Another great way to learn more about the fire is to visit MOSH and walk through the "Currents of Time" exhibit.  It is a great run-down of this regions history and has a good bit of info and pictures of the fire.

[knikki]

 thank you alot this site has really helped me with my history fair project on the great fire of 1901 i did not know anything about it until i came to this website thank you again

[Sarah]

thanks so much. u really helped my little sister complete her project!

[Tyler]

 You helped me with my project.

[Ashley]

This topic is so facinating! Your  information helped me alot with my history project! Thanks SoOoOo much! Its amazing how one little fire grew into a huge disaster. I had no clue what to do for my history project and i just decided to do something on a fire and since not many people know of this one, I found this topic so interesting and full of  so many things I didnt even think could be possible. I live in Florida and its a little quiet around where I live, so to hear something like this is so amazing I want to share it with the world!! :) Thanks soOoOo much!!

[B-Don]

This story is amazing! When I first moved to Jax I thought it was boring but now.! ;D ;D ;D :D :D

[Coolyfett]

This would be a cool movie being its bases in the old south.

[Coolyfett]

The Stars of the film could be the 7 victims and base it around them. Id bet very interested in seeing the lady who loved her material stuff so much she ran back in her home to burn with them. Thats nuts

[KenFSU]

Check this panorama out that I stumbled upon in the Jacksonville Relief Association Report from 1901.

Really puts the destruction into context:

http://i.imgur.com/vehIQEW.jpg?1

[thelakelander]

Great find!