Details for Conroe Fire of 1911

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5507017662

Data

Marker Number 17662
Atlas Number 5507017662
Marker Title Conroe Fire of 1911
Index Entry Conroe Fire of 1911
Address N Main Street
City Conroe
County Montgomery
UTM Zone 15
UTM Easting 263713
UTM Northing 3355892
Subject Codes Fires
Marker Year 2013
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location Montgomery County Courthouse grounds, east side
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42" with post
Marker Text On February 21, 1911 around 1:30 in the morning, a fire broke out in the Capitol Drug Store on Chambers (today North Main) Street. The blaze was well underway before it was discovered and northerly winds began sweeping the flames southeastward toward the railroad tracks. The volunteer fire department had only one hose cart which was pulled by hand to fight the inferno and the lack of water pressure led to the fight being called off. The post office, meat market, saloon, grocery store and Masonic lodge were among the businesses caught in the path of the fire as well as the homes of their owners who lived above their stores. Sixty-five buildings, store inventories and personal belongings were lost that early February morning, costing an estimated total of $150,000, over 3.5 million dollars in today's money. The following business day, the city council created an ordinance requiring buildings to have "fire proof" materials protecting the wooden structures. A year later, the city council voted to amend the ordinance to require buildings to be constructed out of brick and stone. The 1911 fire in downtown Conroe and the prompt response to its destruction by Conroe residents reflected the resilience of Texans as they settled, struggled and prospered in southeast Texas. Despite the tragedy caused by the fire, the resurrection of stately brick business buildings provides current city visitors with a picture of a bygone era with buildings over a century in age. It further echoes the town's nickname, "The town that faith built!" (2013)

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