St. Louis and the Great Fire of 1849

Teaching Artist: Barnes Bradshaw

The City of St. Louis nearly disappeared from the map the night of May 17, 1849. While docked on the Mighty Mississippi, a small fire started on the steamboat White Cloud. The flames quickly spread to the loading docks and soon destroyed 15 blocks of the city. Through a first-hand theatrical account of that fateful night, students will learn how the fire led to sweeping transformations in local Fire Departments and municipal codes and changed the history of St. Louis forever. Students will engage in a writing activity inspired by real St. Louis citizens who survived the blaze more than a century ago. Also available for virtual workshops.

Audience: Grades 3-8
Format: Workshop
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies/Culture
Teaching Artist: Barnes Bradshaw

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