One hundred years ago, on March 25, 1911, one of the worst workplace disasters in U.S. history took place when the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City burned killing 146 people, mostly girls and young women. Among the many New Yorkers who watched in horror as young women jumped to their death from the burning building was Francis Perkins. Perkins, later Franklin Roosevelt's Secretary of Labor, became one of the most important figures behind the New Deal and reform of labor laws.
In the aftermath of the disaster, fire codes across the country were strengthened, undoubtedly saving many since then.
[Added 3/26/11: A video from the memorial held yesterday for the victims of the fire.]
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