May 17, 1849: The Great Fire that changed the face of a Missouri city

PHOTOS: Crewmen doused a mattress fire on the steamboat White Cloud, moored on the north end of the city's landing. They aired the bedding on deck, then dragged it back into a cabin.They must have missed an ember. About 10 p.m., flames burst from the passenger deck. Watchmen along the crowded landing clanged bells of alarm.
- PUB DATE: 5/17/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Metered Site