"Asch Building, fire scene. Photograph taken March 30, 1911, five days after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire."

On a Saturday afternoon in March 1911, just as the work day was ending a fire began on the 8th floor of the Asch building. The top three floors of this 10-story building housed the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. The fire spread quickly due to the flammable scraps of clothing that filled the factory. The workers (mostly young immigrant women) had little time or means to escape. Some of the doors to the stairs were locked from the outside to prevent theft, but caused a crush of people attempting to use them. The only functioning elevator was only able to make a few trips before breaking down, and the narrow fire escape collapsed under the weight of those trying to flee the flames. More than 50 workers died after jumping out of the windows to the streets below.

The disaster was one of the largest industrial disasters in American history. In total 146 people were killed. Following the fire a number of laws were enacted to protect factory workers and to make the factory environment safer. Also a number of local politicians and activists who were in the city at the time of the fire went on to high level government post where they were able to update and advance labor policy (this group included Al Smith, NY Governor 1919-20 and 1923-28 and Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor under FDR).