The Great Fire of June 6, 1889 was a significant turning point in Seattle's history and changed both the physical and political landscapes of the city. The fire started in a paint and woodwork shop at Front and Madison and swept southward across 100 acres of Seattle's business district and waterfront. The inferno completely consumed the business district's wooden buildings, and it gutted the newer brick buildings. After the fire subsided, residents picked up mementos from the ashes, including these heavily melted cupels that were once used for assay work.