The Burning of The City Hall, New York

Framed Harper's Weekly Print: "The Burning of The City Hall, New York" (1858)

Item: #4301

Step back into the 19th century with this striking framed engraving from the August 28, 1858, issue of Harper's Weekly: A Journal of Civilization. This remarkable piece of history captures the dramatic and chaotic scene of New York City Hall engulfed in flames, surrounded by crowds of onlookers and early fire brigades battling the blaze.

The detailed black-and-white print is elegantly presented within a glossy, burl-style wood frame. A clean white matting perfectly accents the artwork, drawing the eye directly to the intricate line work of the historical illustration. The caption clearly reads: "THE BURNING OF THE CITY HALL, NEW YORK, AUGUST 18, 1858."

Perfect for history buffs, antique collectors, or anyone looking to add a compelling conversation piece to their office or home decor.

Dimensions & Details:

• Print Title: The Burning of The City Hall

• Publication: Harper's Weekly

• Outer Dimensions: 20 ½ x 15 ½ inches

• Inner Matting Window: 15 x 10 inches

• Frame Sizing: 18 x 13 x 1 ½ inches

• Frame Style: High-gloss burl wood finish with white matting

The History Behind the Print: August 18, 1858

The dramatic fire depicted in this engraving was not an act of arson, but rather a tragic accident born from an overly enthusiastic celebration. On August 18, 1858, New York City gathered to celebrate one of the greatest technological achievements of the 19th century: the successful laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable. This massive infrastructure project connected the United States (via Newfoundland) to Ireland, permanently transforming global, long-distance communication.

To mark the occasion, the rapidly growing city launched a grand fireworks display. Ironically, the festivities honoring this incredible leap forward ended up severely damaging one of New York's greatest landmarks. An errant firework ignited the cupola and roof of City Hall, sparking the massive blaze illustrated on the front page of this Harper's Weekly edition.

The illustration reached a national audience, fascinating readers across the country. For many at the time, the contrast of the bright celebratory fireworks against the dark, destructive reality of the burning building served as a metaphor for the rapid, chaotic, and sometimes turbulent growth of New York City during the industrial era.