Building at center in ruins, soldiers on street in front, backside building aflame. Published by J.Disturnell 15-6 Broad Way & J.H. Bufford, 10 Beckman Street
Lithographed by Nathaniel Currier American, 1813-1888 After John H. Bufford American, 1810-1870 In 1835, Nathaniel Currier created a sensation with this lithograph illustrating the fire that destroyed New York City’s business district. The image, printed in the local newspaper, accompanied a long article about the disaster. Prior to this, illustrations of the news were uncommon. In only four days, Currier produced thousands of copies of the print in an attempt to satisfy the demand. Realizing his customers’ interest, Currier created several more disaster prints and began to publish inexpensive lithographs illustrating local and national happenings. By 1840, he had gained a reputation as an accomplished lithographer and expanded his business to decorative images.
