Article about fire in Richmond theater 1811

Article about fire in Richmond theater 1811

This was the cause of death of Mary Love Scott.

The fire broke out in the final scene of the play in Richmond, Virginia. A chandler filled with candles began to burn the rope it was attached to. As it caught on fire it began to swing from side to side setting the entire theater on fire. With only one back door, it was nearly impossible to escape the flames. 70 people died including the governor of Virginia. From R.M. Scott's diary, Mary did escape the fire but her garments were engulfed with flames. She died 2 weeks later.

Marianne Cinalli

The Richmond Times Dispatch

Fairfax Library, Virginia Room

April 24, 2011

English

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