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Domestic News September 1, 1820

Daily National Intelligencer

Washington, District Of Columbia

What is this article about?

Fire in Petersburg, Va., on Monday night destroyed seven wooden tenements on the north side of Market Square, occupied mainly by small retail grocers; no rear buildings affected, origin accidental.

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Petersburg, Va. Aug. 29.

Another Fire.--The painful duty again devolves upon us of recording the destruction of the property of our fellow-citizens by fire. On Monday night, about the hour of 11, the alarm was sounded in our streets, and the flames were seen bursting out of the wooden building situated at the north-east corner of Market square. Our citizens, with the greatest alacrity, repaired to the scene of conflagration; and no time was lost in extending a line to the river. But, in a few minutes, the fire had taken so firm a hold as to render vain the hope of extinguishing it, and to set at naught all the efforts of our engine companies to stay its progress while there remained one of the adjoining buildings in its way. Two of the intermediate houses became, therefore, the instant objects of attack; and, after their removal, which was soon effected, the flames were suppressed without difficulty. Thus, in about an hour's time, seven tenements, extending along the north side of Market-square, and inhabited chiefly by retail grocers doing business in a small way, were burnt to the ground. Only the house at the west end of the row is left standing; however, none of the rear buildings are burnt. The fire originated, no one can tell exactly how, yet generally supposed in an accidental way. The whole row being of wood, and very combustible, the work of destruction was soon over, and but little time allowed the unfortunate occupants to save their effects. Some have lost considerably, and all have suffered.

What sub-type of article is it?

Fire

What keywords are associated?

Petersburg Fire Market Square Tenements Destroyed Wooden Buildings Retail Grocers

Where did it happen?

Petersburg, Va.

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Petersburg, Va.

Event Date

Monday Night, About The Hour Of 11

Outcome

seven tenements burnt to the ground; some occupants lost considerably, all suffered; no rear buildings burnt.

Event Details

Fire started in wooden building at north-east corner of Market square; citizens and engine companies responded but could not extinguish initially; two intermediate houses removed to stop spread; flames suppressed after about an hour; originated accidentally in combustible wooden row inhabited by retail grocers.

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