One hundred and forty six workers died in the fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, 8 blocks south of Union Square, on Saturday March 25, 1911.  Most of them were immigrants, Jewish and Italian teenaged girls,

The response to the tragedy was enormous, as workers and reformers joined together to push politicians to accept a new notion of the responsibilities of government. Many of the health and safety regulations in effect today stem from the activism inspired by this fire.  

This New York Times front page is featured in a bronze historical plaque in the square.  For more information see the Triangle Fire section of the Labor Arts Union Square exhibit  See also the comprehensive  Kheel Center exhibit about the Triangle Fire.

Image courtesy of the New York Times.