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Capitol Fire

The Capitol Fire of March 29, 1911

In the early morning hours of March 29, 1911, a fire broke out in the New York State Capitol at Albany. By sunset, the vast collection of the New York State Library, then housed in the Capitol, had been reduced to ashes.

Capitol Fire Gallery

Capitol building engulfed in flames at night

The Capitol Building, ablaze on March 29, 1911.

Fire damaged rubble strewn on ground

Part of the Library in ruins after the fire.

Smoke billowing from Capitol building

The Capitol Building on the morning after the great blaze.