The Hartford Circus Fire

In "The Hartford Circus Fire," author Michael Skidgell delves into one of the most devastating disasters in Hartford's history through personal testimonies and survivor interviews. What began as a lively afternoon at the Ringling Brothers circus on July 6, 1944, turned into chaos when a fire erupted in the paraffin-coated tent, leading to the tragic loss of 168 lives, including many children. As the community grappled with the aftermath, investigators sought to uncover the causes and accountability for the harrowing event.