American Museum Fire - 1865

 

Burning of the American Museum on Broadway, July 13, 1865, corner of Ann Street, New York City. After original painting by Christopher Pearse Cranch (1813-1892). Source: New York Public Library.

The fire began in a defective furnace in the cellar in Ann Street and it was first discovered by an employee of the museum at 35 minutes past noon.

Illustration shows Broadway, looking south from the intersection of Park Row. The spire of Trinity Church is on the right. The American Museum (left) operated on this site from 1830 to 1865. First managed by John Scudder and later by Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810–1891). The museum was in fact an entertainment center, with zoo, theater, museum and other attractions. After the fire, two new buildings were erected on the museum's site: the New York Herald and the Park Bank Building, completed in 1868.

 

 

 

◄ American Museum

 

American Museum New York

 

Coenties Slip Fire

 

Barnum's American Museum

 

Lecture Room

 

Ruins of Barnum's American Museum as seen the morning after the fire. Drawing by Alfred Rudolph Waud (1828-1891). Source: New York Public Library.

 

Broadway destroyed buildings

Other American Museum fire.

 

Ruins American Museum

 

Broadway Old New York

 

American Museum Fire - 1865

 

Copyright © Geographic Guide - 19th Century NYC. Historical Places.