S8 Ep1009: Benjamin L. Carp explains that following the blaze, the British detained several suspects found with "combustibles" like gunpowder and turpentine-soaked matches. While Washington officially claimed ignorance regarding the fire's origin, he privately celeb
The Great New York Fire of 1776—burning much of lower Manhattan in just two days—remains one of the American Revolution's most enduring mysteries. Historian Benjamin L. Karp reveals that while George Washington publicly claimed ignorance about the fire's origin, he privately hinted at British atrocities in his letters. The British, in turn, detained dozens of suspects found with combustibles like turpentine-soaked matches, gunpowder, and long flammable sticks—materials that could be used for both civilian and military purposes. Despite the abundance of accusations, no credible evidence or official records survive: the inquiry records were lost in a fire, and prison logs vanished at sea. The lack of documentation has allowed speculation to flourish—was it an accident fueled by wind and wartime chaos? A deliberate act by American forces to deny the city to the British? Or a British cover-up to justify harsh reprisals? The execution of Nathan Hale just days after the fire, though officially for espionage, has long been linked to the blaze due to timing, though historians now reject that connection. The fire’s true cause remains unresolved, but the stakes were high: whoever benefited from the destruction—whether the British, American rebels, or rogue soldiers—may have shaped the war’s early course in ways we may never know.
No official records exist of the British inquiry into the 1776 New York fire—records were lost in a fire and at sea, leaving the case unsolved.
Hundreds were detained for carrying 'combustibles' like turpentine-soaked matches and gunpowder, but these materials were common in wartime cities.
George Washington claimed ignorance publicly, but privately referenced British atrocities—suggesting he may have suspected British involvement.
Nathan Hale was executed for spying, not arson, despite later myths linking him to the fire due to timing and propaganda.
The fire’s origin remains unresolved, but the absence of evidence points to a deliberate cover-up or systemic record destruction.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Great New York Fire of 1776: A Lost Story
John Batchelor introduces the episode, setting the stage for a deep dive into the mysterious fire that destroyed much of lower Manhattan in September 1776, a pivotal moment in the American Revolution.
Combustibles and the Accused
“Combustibles could be a lot of things. It could be matches. And at the time, matches could be over a foot long, flammable materials kind of wrapped in rags...”
Washington’s Public and Private Response
“He writes to Continental Congress and says, we have no idea how this happened.”
The Missing Inquiry Records
“If there were any records kept of this inquiry, we don't have them.”
Nathan Hale and the Scapegoat Theory
“It may well be that Nathan Hale, who had been caught spying, was scapegoated for the fire...”
“So if there were any records kept of this inquiry, we don't have them.”
“He writes to Continental Congress and says, we have no idea how this happened.”
“That's a question that will come again and again as we pursue the evidence.”
Host
Guest
Benjamin L. Karp
person
George Washington
person
British soldiers
organization
Nathan Hale
person
Continental Congress
organization
Howe brothers
organization
Judge Advocate General Corps
organization
Richard Brown
person
City Hall Park
place
Morris Jumel Mansion
place
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