#OnThisDate December 24, 1851: Inferno At The Library

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A Catastrophic Fire Engulfed The Library Of Congress In Washington, D.C., Obliterating Approximately 35,000 Volumes—Nearly Two-Thirds Of Its 55,000-Book Collection. This Disaster Also Consumed A Significant Portion Of Thomas Jefferson's Personal Library, Which He Had Sold To The Institution In 1815.

The Blaze Originated From A Defective Chimney Flue Within The Library's Main Reading Room, Situated In The U.S. Capitol Building. Despite Prompt Efforts By Firefighters And Marines, The Inferno Raged For Several Hours, Causing Extensive Damage To The Library's Holdings.

In The Aftermath, Congress Acted Swiftly To Restore The National Repository. In 1852, It Allocated $168,700 For The Library's Reconstruction And The Replacement Of Lost Materials. However, This Funding Was Designated Solely For Replenishing Existing Collections, Reflecting A Conservative Approach To The Library's Expansion During That Era.

Architect Of The Capitol Thomas U. Walter Spearheaded The Rebuilding Efforts, Emphasizing Fire-Resistant Materials To Prevent Future Catastrophes. By August 23, 1853, The Refurbished Library Space—Heralded As The "Largest Iron Room In The World"—Was Unveiled, Featuring Cast-Iron Ceilings And Shelving To Safeguard Against Fire Hazards.

This Calamity Underscored The Vulnerability Of The Nation's Cultural And Intellectual Assets, Prompting A Reevaluation Of Preservation Practices. The 1851 Fire Not Only Led To Architectural Innovations Within The Library Of Congress But Also Influenced Broader Efforts To Protect And Conserve Invaluable Collections Across The United States.

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