Fire in Smithsonian Institution Building
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Download IIIF ManifestRequest permissionsDownload image PrintID: 37082 or MAH-37082
Creator: Gardner, Alexander 1821-1882
Form/Genre: Photographic print
Date: January 24, 1865
Citation: Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 30, Folder: 9
People are visible standing around watching the burning of the Smithsonian Institution Building, the "Castle," January 24, 1865. The photograph was taken and heavily retouched by Alexander Gardner, as he painted flames on the photographic print.
Historic Images of the Smithsonian
Engraving made from this retouched photograph was published in Harper's Weekly, February 1865. For engraving, see Neg. No. 2002-12222. The Harper's Weekly image has the entire building consumed in flames, inaccurate since the east wing did not sustain much damage.
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 30, Folder: 9
Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu
January 24, 1865
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Washington (D.C.)
37082 or MAH-37082
Color: Black and White; Size: 11w x 9h; Type of Image: Event, Exterior; Medium: Photographic print