Ruins of the American House Hotel, the telegraph office and livery stables are shown in this stereograph photograph.

A devastating fire hit Belfast on July 12, 1885. Two livery employees fell asleep in the loft of the stable while smoking and were killed in the fire.

The flames spread from the stable to the adjoining businesses on and around High Street. Sixteen buildings were destroyed including the American House Hotel, Lancaster's Carriage Shop, Fogg's Confectionery, Delano's Barber Shop and Tuttle's Organ Shop.