Today in History: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Burned down, killing 146 Workers

In one of the darkest moments of America's industrial history, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City burned down, taking with it the lives of 146 workers, on March 25, 1911. 

146 people died in the fire, unable to escape, due to the strict ‘locked door’ policy that was set to prevent employees from taking breaks while working.

In 1918, the owners, Harris and Blanck, closed the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. The business had never recovered to the profit level seen before the fire, and the men's tainted reputations had damaged the company's image irreparably.

The tragedy led to the development of a series of laws and regulations that better protected the safety of factory workers. 

Photo: Flickr