How many floors did the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory occupy in the Asch Building?

• A. Five floors
• B. Three floors
• C. Eight floors
• D. Two floors

Answer: (B)

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory occupied the top three floors of the Asch Building, which is why this option is correct. Specifically, the factory operated on the eighth, ninth, and tenth floors. These floors were significant because they were where many textile workers, mostly young immigrant women, were employed under often hazardous conditions. The fire that occurred in 1911 tragically highlighted the unsafe working environments in places like the Triangle factory, leading to important changes in labor laws and building safety regulations in the following years. Understanding the specific floor layout helps to contextualize the events that unfolded during the fire and its impact on labor rights.