The Steam Mill Fire of 1823

The Cincinnati Steam Mill Fire of 1823

          History records an early fire of substantial proportions which struck Cincinnati business interests in November 1823.  It was at this time that the great 9 story steam mill that was situated on the Ohio River was destroyed by fire.  By this date Cincinnati was rapidly rising to assume its place as the greatest of the western frontier urban centers, surpassing competitors such as Lexington, Louisville, and Pittsburgh.  The country and the west in particular was pulling itself out of a significant economic depression brought on by the end of war between the relatively new United States of America and the British.  Because Cincinnati relied more on its commercial interests than its industrial base it was faster to recover than its key competitors in the region.  Ultimately its recovery by the mid-1820's pushed the city into its leadership role among western urban areas.  City directories boasted of the 9 story stone steam mill on the river.  The buildings size served to some extent as a symbol of the potential of the city itself.  Visitors would arrive by river and immediately pass under the large structure.  By the time of the fire the city had grown substantially and with its growth came an increase in the problems faced by any urban center.  One of these problems was fire and how to ensure it would not sweep away the town and all its interests.  The burning of the Steam Mill further demonstrated to leading citizens the need for improvements in the cities fire protection capabilities.  This and other such events gradually generated a drive among the population to push city leaders to demand more authority in the realm of fire suppression and control.  

     Specific dates for this incident are varied.  The CFD History written in 1895 indicates the event took place on the 23 of November, The resource below shows the date as the 3rd of the same month, and still another source book of extra alarm fires in CFD history has the date as the 28th of November.  Thank you D.Jones for correctly pointing out that additional research regarding the specific date of the event is required.  

  

 

          An early image of the Cincinnati waterfront.  The steam mill can be seen on the far right of the picture and must certainly have been the dominant structure visible on the riverfront.

          An 1815 plan of the City of Cincinnati lists the large steam mill prominently as the first structure on the list, an indication of the buildings importance. 

     Comments and conversation regarding this and other posts are welcome.

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Source Note:
The Urban Frontier:  Pioneer Life in Early Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Lexington, Louisville, and St.Louis            The University of Chicago Press 1959 - Richard C. Wade