The Great Fire of 1901 began in Jacksonville, Florida, igniting in a tobacco factory on the evening of May 3. The initial spark resulted from careless cigarette disposal by workers, who unwittingly set alight the highly flammable materials nearby. Jacksonville, at the time, was enjoying a surge in population and economic development, but its architecture largely consisted of wooden buildings, which made it particularly susceptible to devastating fires. As the blaze surged through the city, it consumed an estimated 146 city blocks, including businesses and homes, leading to the destruction of thousands of structures.

The fire spread rapidly, fueled by strong winds and the dry conditions that characterized north Florida during this season. Firefighters struggled to contain the inferno due to the absence of adequate firefighting infrastructure and resources. A disorganized response from the local fire department further exacerbated the situation, as inadequate equipment and insufficient manpower failed to stem the flames. Eyewitness accounts describe the chaos and desperation, with residents fleeing the advancing fire and watching helplessly as their properties and livelihoods went up in smoke.

When the fire was finally brought under control, it had devastated a significant portion of the downtown area of Jacksonville. Estimates indicate that thousands of citizens were left homeless, with many losing everything they owned. The event captured national attention and brought forth discussions about fire safety standards and urban planning. In the aftermath, the city was forced to rethink its building codes, leading to a transition towards more fire-resistant materials and improved emergency response protocols, ultimately reshaping the architectural landscape of Jacksonville.