Disasters have played a significant role in William & Mary’s history. In 1705, the Wren Building experienced a devastating fire that burned most of the books in the library. Then, in 1781, a fire in the President’s House destroyed Bishop James Madison’s library and scientific instruments. By the 1858-1859 session, 47 students were enrolled at the college. The campus buildings had been extensively repaired at a cost of $6,500, and despite a decline of enrollment, the future seemed secure. Then, in the early hours of February 8, 1859, the Wren Building went up in flames after a fire began in the north wing and within four hours the building was gutted. President Benjamin S. Ewell was credited as being one of the first on the scene, rushing up to the second floor to wake several students who were living there.
Images of the exhibit are available from Special Collections on Flickr.
Curators: Steven Bookman, University Archives Specialist and Amy Schindler, University Archivist; Exhibit design and installation: Jennie Davy, Burger Archives Specialist.