In October of 1890, a fire destroyed the Leland Hotel, which was located at West Fayette and South Franklin streets. The fire started early in the morning and was out of control by the time it was discovered. Several guests were trapped on the upper floors and were forced to jump out of the windows. At least six were killed and dozens more seriously injured, including actress Cora Tanner, who was in town for a performance at the Grand Opera House.
The hotel only opened two years earlier, on May 1, 1888. It was one of the largest in Central New York — six stories high, with over 100 rooms. Only two years later it was completely destroyed by one of the worst fires in city history.