Remembering this Makes me Proud I work for the Dept. of Labor

Remembering the Triangle Factory Fire

Story by chaps676

Published on Mar 22, 2011 in This Handmade Life

Photo by Cornell University Library

On March 25, 1911, one of the worst industrial disasters in New York City's history occurred, killing 146, affecting the lives of hundreds more and forever changing the standards of working conditions.

This week marks the 100th anniversary of the fire at the Triangle Waist Company, where hundreds of workers, mostly young immigrant women, worked in deplorable conditions to manufacture blouses.

Public outrage after the fire pushed the state to enact legislation that revised the quality of the workplace, providing the basis for today's labor standards.

The incredible women of the Triangle factory were famous even before this devastating fire — they led the first female uprising in 1909, demanding better working conditions and higher pay.

Produced by HBO, Triangle: Remembering the Fire documents the tragedy with interviews from the granddaughters and great-granddaughters of those who perished in the fire. The documentary will re-air all week on HBO, so make sure you check their schedule to glimpse this incredible history lesson.