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The Great
Windsor Fire of 1897
The Town
of Windsor NS today shows no effects of a major disaster. This is due
to the efforts of the many people who rebuilt the town after one of the
most devastating fires in the history of Canada. |
Canada |
On October 17th,
1897, disaster struck the town of Windsor. At three a.m. that Sunday, a
fire started that would destroy the town and void it of industry and business.
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Ruins of the Jail and Courthouse |
The fire started in the rear of the Marine Block behind Water Street and
spread throughout the town from King Street to Clifton Avenue, then known
as Park Street, and from the waterfront to the crest of Windmill Hill. |
| Around four a.m. the fire seemed almost under control, however, the wind
shifted to the northwest and increased to hurricane force. The fire then
spread rapidly with flames leaping from the roof top to roof top. The whole
downtown was ablaze. The flames lit up the sky such that the light could
be seen as far away as Halifax. |
Remains of the Post Office
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Halifax Pumper brought to Windsor by train.
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The heat was so intense that, in the vicinity of the Marine Block
and Water Street, the railway tracks buckled. The Windsor Fire Department
had to retreat from a hydrant they were using to fight the fire. Fire equipment
was brought in from Halifax on the train and help came from Kentville, Wolfville
and Hantsport brigades. The fire was very intense and it swept rapidly through
the town with the help of strong winds. |
Albert Street |
Townsfolk were forced from their homes, but made valiant efforts to save
some of their belongings and homes. For most, however, all was lost. Many were left homeless and penniless. |
| Every church was lost except the Anglican Church (then Episcopalian Church).
Tradition has it that Kings College students poured water on the roof to
save it. Most of the business was destroyed as was industry. Damage was
estimated at two million dollars but only six hundred thousand dollars was
insured. |
Victim of the fire.
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King Street
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The miracle of the fire is that no lives were lost. In the wake of the fire
a relief committee was formed to tend to the townsfolk in need and to help
rebuild the town. Money, food, and supplies came from many places including
Saint John NB, Halifax and Boston. |
The military came with tents and supplies and erected a small tent city
to provide shelter for families.
A year after the fire 150 new buildings were added, streets were relined
and Windsor was functioning again. |
Tents to provide shelter for families. |
"Windsor justifies her continued existence, and though
business may be dull now, in the time of reaction, she has been rebuilt
more beautiful and more imposing and more substantial than ever. Her population
is great and her people are busy employed as of yore. Her future is sure.
Windsor is all right"
Halifax Herald July 29, 1899 |
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More information is available from the Windsor Fire Department Veterans Memorial Museum located in the fire station at 100 King Street. |
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Copyright © 2005 Windsor Fire Department
Last modified: June 26, 2005
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