PODCAST This month marks the 185th anniversary of one of the most devastating disasters in New York City history -- The Great Fire of 1835.

This massive fire, among the worst in American history, devastated the city during one freezing December evening, destroying hundreds of buildings and changing the face of Manhattan forever.

It underscored the city's need for a functioning water system and permanent fire department.

So why were there so many people drinking champagne in the street? And how did the son of Alexander Hamilton save the day?

FEATURING Such Old New York sites as the Tontine Coffee House, Stone Street, Hanover Square and Delmonico's.

PLUS: A newly recorded segment about a sequel of sorts to the 1835 fire. The Great Fire of 1845 (or really The Great Explosion of 1845) would once again imperil the lives of New Yorkers. But this time, they were prepared.

This show was originally released on March 13, 2009

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