Henderson Fire

The town of Henderson caught fire Sunday night, August 5 th at eight o’clock. The fire was started in an old, unoccupied shop, immediately back of Wiggins, Hogg, and Felton’s Drug Store on the south side of the square. In a few minutes the whole south side of the square was in flames. “All from McDonough’s Hotel to Smither’s office, taking that entire block, and from Redwine’s store to Liken’s corner, running back to the Presbyterian Church (which was saved) was consumed, including 10 stores, 2 drug stores, 8 or 10 law offices, 2 family groceries and many other buildings.”

Initial reports claimed that the “citizens” of Henderson “put no faith in the reported conspiracy and neglected to appoint a patrol or set a watch.”

But organized a committee to determine the causes and amount of losses in the fire and reported “that the fire was caused, beyond a doubt, by an incendiary.” The total losses were placed at $220,000, $8,500 of which was insured, leaving a net loss of $211,500. A total of forty three buildings were destroyed.

Eventually a “negro woman owned by a Mr. Herndon, a resident of Henderson, confessed that she set fire to the shop, and that her master told her to do so. Green Herndon, a tavern keeper, and his brother were arrested by the committee. Herndon had already been accused of dealing with slaves for stolen goods. Herndon and the female slave were tried, found guilt, and hanged on August 25.¹

1. You seek the findings of the Henderson Vigilance Committee.