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Fragments of Human Bones found amongst the Ashes of the Theatre in Richmond

Object Status:

Unlocated

Accession Date:

April 10, 1812

Primary Source Reference:

Peale Museum Accessions Book, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, p. 60

Additional Source Text:

"Where about 80 Human Beings were destroyed by the fire. They were taken from the Ashes after they were scorched, by proper persons appointed to gather the bodies and bury them."

Notes:

The Richmond Theatre burned during a performance on 26 Dec 1811, killing 72 people, including Gov. George William Smith and former U.S. Sen. Abraham B. Venable.

John Adems Paxton (1742-1816) was a publisher of city directories for Philadelphia, New Orleans, and St. Louis.