A World in Pictures-Sydney Taylor

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in Manhattan, New York City on March 25, 1911 was a tragic occurrence that caused the deaths of 146 people-23 men and 123 women-most of whom were Jewish and Italian immigrants. Because the owners locked all doors to stairwells and exits to prevent unauthorized breaks, when the building caught fire everyone was trapped and led many victims to jump from the building in an attempt to escape. The factory fire led to the establishment of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union and the creation of legislation aimed at improving factory conditions and safer working conditions for workers. The Asch Building, now known as the Brown Building, has been declared a National Historic Landmark and a New York City landmark. It's a terrible thought that 146 workers had to perish in order for people to make a change in the lives and well-being of factory workers, but at least their suffering wasn't in vain.