Hero of Richmond Theater Disaster

Gilbert Hunt, born enslaved in King William County, Virginia around 1780. During the War of 1812 he worked for the army as a blacksmith. After purchasing his freedom for $800, he opened his own blacksmith shop.

On the evening of December 26, 1811, many Richmonders were attending a play in a new theater on Shockoe Hill. A candle was left burning on a chandelier as it was raised to the ceiling when a scenery change was made. When the error was discovered and the chandelier was lowered to extinguish the candle, the flame made contact with a canvas backdrop. Flames quickly spread, setting the building on fire. Many people were killed as they tried to escape. Those who were saved were helped from inside by Dr. James McCaw, who dropped them from a window to Gilbert Hunt, who caught them enough to break their fall. He had hurried to the fire scene when he realized what was happening. Because so many lost their lives at this theater, they were all buried on the site in a common grave. This location became the Monumental Church, built in their honor between 1812 and 1814, which still stands on this site today.

Sources: Portrait of Gilbert Hunt, Original Salt Print, Prints and Photographs, Special Collections, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia; Cook Studio, Photographer (Richmond, VA)