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Today in History: Massive Fire Destroys 856 Structures in New Orleans

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 21, 1788, a devastating fire swept through New Orleans, destroying 856 of the city's 1,100 structures. The blaze ravaged the south central Vieux Carré area, extending from Burgundy to Chartres Street near the Mississippi River. This catastrophic event significantly impacted the city's architecture and urban development in the years that followed.

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Story summary

On March 21, 1788, a devastating fire swept through New Orleans, destroying 856 of the city's 1,100 structures. The blaze ravaged the south central Vieux Carré area, extending from Burgundy to Chartres Street near the Mississippi River. This catastrophic event significantly impacted the city's architecture and urban development in the years that followed.