A lot of great things have happened here in Wisconsin. There have also been a few not-so-great things, like The Peshtigo Fire. Though it occurred a century and a half ago, the fire remains the deadliest in U.S. history. Read on (and watch the video below) to learn about the catastrophe, which was as horrifying as it was destructive.
Today, Peshtigo looks like a typical small town. However, it’s actually the site of one of the most devastating events in history, The Peshtigo Fire.
Royalbroil/Wikimedia
The fire roared through Peshtigo on October 8, 1871, which was the same day as The Great Chicago Fire. Though the Chicago fire was far less deadly, it received widespread media coverage, ultimately overshadowing The Peshtigo Fire.
Currier and Ives - Chicago Historical Society/Wikimedia
Wreaking irrevocable havoc, The Peshtigo Fire consumed 1.5 million acres of land and claimed the lives of about 2,500 people.
Peshtigo Times - Peshtigo Fire museum/Wikimedia
The historic blaze started off as a wildfire. High winds then caused the fire to spread rapidly, spurning fiery tornadoes or firestorms. According to reports, Peshtigo residents likened the sound of the approaching firestorms to the rumble of a freight train.
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Residents tried to escape the inferno by jumping into the Peshtigo River. Unfortunately, the firestorms were able to leap over large bodies of water.
G. J. Tisdale - Peshtigo Fire museum/Wikimedia
The fire’s destruction was absolutely devastating, leaving behind piles of ashes and charred lumber.
Wikimedia
Today, you can learn all about the fire by paying a visit to Peshtigo Fire Museum, which is housed in the first church built after the fire.
Terry Rice/Google
Offering a unique glimpse into the past, the museum houses an impressive variety of artifacts from the historic blaze.
Citallwic/TripAdvisor
There are also displays depicting what life was like at the time of the fire.
Citallwic/TripAdvisor
To make sure each visit is as informative as possible, museum workers are on hand, ready to share the story of the catastrophe.
Peshtigo Fire Museum/Facebook
Watch the video below to learn more about the Peshtigo Fire. It was posted on YouTube by The History Guy: History Deserves To Be Remembered:
Royalbroil/Wikimedia
Currier and Ives - Chicago Historical Society/Wikimedia
Peshtigo Times - Peshtigo Fire museum/Wikimedia
Monica58860/TripAdvisor
G. J. Tisdale - Peshtigo Fire museum/Wikimedia
Wikimedia
Terry Rice/Google
Citallwic/TripAdvisor
Peshtigo Fire Museum/Facebook
For more information, call Peshtigo Fire Museum at (715) 582-3244. You can also visit the Peshtigo Historical Society’s website or Facebook page.
Did you know about The Peshtigo Fire? If so, were you aware that it was the nation’s deadliest? Tell us in the comments section.
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Address: Peshtigo, WI, USA
