Richmond Theatre fire kills 72, including Governor George William Smith (1811–1814)

The Richmond Theatre fire occurred on December 26, 1811, in Richmond, Virginia, killing 72 people. Victims included Virginia Governor George William Smith and former U.S. Senator Abraham B. Venable. The fire devastated the theatre on Broad Street, leading to an investigation that blamed building design rather than the performing company.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Richmond Theatre, located on Broad Street, opened in 1806 and had previously hosted the Virginia Ratifying Convention. It was not the first theatre of that name in the city. The specific building destroyed in 1811 was the one opened in 1806, which had a capacity of 1600 people, exceeding the temporary Virginia Capitol building.

The Fire. The fire occurred during a benefit performance for Alexander Placide and his daughter on the evening of December 26, 1811. It devastated the theatre building. Governor Smith initially reached safety but returned to the fire to find his young son and died. The Common Council later blamed the inferior design and construction of the building for the loss of life.

Aftermath. A Committee of Investigation commissioned on December 27, 1811, absolved the Placide & Green Theater Company of responsibility. The Monumental Church was built on the Richmond Theatre site between 1812 and 1814 to commemorate the victims. Governor Smith's ashes were placed under a rock at this church alongside other victims, including Abraham B. Venable.

People involved

Sources

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