Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

March 25, 2011, marks the centennial of New York City's infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. It is believed that a cutter lighting a cigarette carelessly tossed a match into a rag bin, igniting the fire. In 18 minutes, 145 garment workers, averaging 16 to 23 years old, were dead. This sweatshop tragedy is historically significant for fueling the American labor movement, leading to reform of laws governing workplace safety. Read more