Why did Western New York become known as the "Burned-Over District"?

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Western New York became known as the "Burned-Over District" due to the intense religious fervor of the Second Great Awakening that swept over the region like a wildfire. The term "burned-over" refers to the idea that the flames of religious revival had burned so hot and fierce that there was no more fuel to sustain them. The region saw a proliferation of new religious movements and sects, including the Mormons, Adventists, and Spiritualists, as well as social reform movements such as abolitionism and women's rights.

Why Did Western New York Become Known as the "Burned-Over