The Burning: The Richmond Theatre Fire of 1811

On December 26, 1811 in Richmond, Virginia, upwards of 600 patrons attended a benefit performance at the Richmond Theatre. Instead of celebration, they tragically became part of one of early America's first national disasters. On the day after Christmas, Richmond would lose over 70 of its citizens; mostly women and the elite.
Video made available courtesy of Scene Clearly Films, info (at) sceneclearlyfilms.com.