Whitby in Durham Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Great Fire of 1877

Photographed by Tim Boyd, October 3, 2024

1. The Great Fire of 1877 Marker

Inscription. On October 16, 1877, fire destroyed almost all the business buildings on the east side of Brock Street from Dundas to Colborne, with the exception of the Dominion Bank. The fire started when a deliveryman dropped a tray of lighted coal oil lamps. Damage amounted to more than $10,000. The present buildings in this block were constructed between 1877 and 1883.

Erected by Town of Whitby.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is October 16, 1877.

Location. 43° 52.758′ N, 78° 56.514′ W. Marker is in Whitby, Ontario, in Durham Region. It is on Brock Street South 0.1 kilometers south of Dundas Street East, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 Brock Street S, Whitby ON L1N 4J8, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto,

specifically on the Golden Horseshoe,

in the York, Durham and Headwaters Area,

and in the Toronto Metropolitan Area.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the

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Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cross & Granger Fire, 1901 (a few steps from this marker); First Dominion Bank Branch, 1871 (within shouting distance of this marker); William Till Building (1857-1860) (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Perry’s Corners, 1836 (about 90 meters away); J. Wilkinson Building (1855-1981) (about 90 meters away); Carnegie Public Library, 1913 (about 120 meters away); May Irwin, 1862-1938 (about 150 meters away); The Sawdon Building (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whitby.

Also see . . . Brock Street Fire in Whitby Happened Once Before (Whitby This Week).

Almost all of the buildings between Colborne and Dundas streets were destroyed by the Great Fire of 1877. On Oct. 16 of that year, a lit coal lamp was knocked over in a grocery store located where Whitby Tire is now. Due to flammable items
Photographed by Tim Boyd, October 3, 2024

2. The Great Fire of 1877 Marker
in the store such as liquor and lard, the fire spread quickly.

(Submitted on October 21, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 285 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.