1776 - Environment

Environment

A great fire September 21 affects one third of New York, beginning at the foot of Broad Street and destroying 493 houses including more than 100 along the Hudson River before it dies out. By British accounts, colonial officers have sent in arsonists to set the city ablaze and thus make it harder for the British to find winter quarters. The first Trinity Church is burnt down along with the entire west side of Broadway between Whitehall and Barclay streets (see 1778), but citizens form bucket brigades to save the 10-year-old St. Paul's Chapel.