Prior to May 5, 1902, Bank Street in New Milford, CT was a successful financial district and business section. The street also contained apartment buildings.
[break]
[break]
[break]
On May 5, 1902 just before 9:00pm, fire broke out in a nearby barn on Railroad Street, consuming twelve barns and stables. The wind then carried the flames to the connecting Bank Street, consuming 33 buildings. Numerous people were either killed or injured in the massive fire.
[break]
[break]
[break]
The fire destroyed one entire side of Bank Street. When the rebuilding process was completed, Bank Street was no longer considered a financial district. Instead, it contained small businesses and shops, as it remains to this day.
[break]
[break]
[break]
An entire side of Bank Street (foreground) was destroyed by the fire while the other side of the street (background) remained untouched.
