Canonsburg in Washington County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Morgan Building

Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 17, 2022

1. Morgan Building Marker

Inscription.
Erected in 1890 by J. C. Morgan for his dry goods store, the building had an opera house on the second floor from 1891 until August 26, 1911. A spectator yelled "fire" in the crowded theater when a piece of film sparked. There was never a fire but a panic ensued and 26 people were trampled to death on the stairway as they tried to exit. The opera house never reopened and it was never determined who yelled fire that fateful day.

In memory of Joseph A. Solobay, local historian & funeral director

Erected 2021 by Jefferson College Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Jefferson College Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 26, 1911.

Location. 40° 15.53′ N, 80° 11.169′ W. Marker is in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, in Washington County. It is on East Pike Street (Pennsylvania Route 980) east of North Central Avenue ( Route 980), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 East Pike Street, Canonsburg PA 15317, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Emery's Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Briceland's Tavern

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Watson's Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Olome Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); Canon's Mill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blackhorse Tavern (about 300 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); In Memory of Daniel A. Caruso (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canonsburg.

Morgan Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 17, 2022

2. Morgan Building and Marker

Marker is located at the far left of the photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,822 times since then and 55 times this year. Last updated on June 9, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.