On October 8, 1871, the most devastating forest fire in
American history swept through northeast Wisconsin, claiming an estimated 1700
- 2500 lives. Known as the Peshtigo Fire
history doesn’t accord it the same measure of attention as another great fire that occurred simultaneously. Likely a consequence of the other great fire remembered as the great Chicago Fire.
Actually, three separate fires made-up the Peshtigo
Fire which occurred on both sides of Green Bay and advanced quickly with the help of
a low pressure system and a hot, dry wind.
It moved so fast the vortices of fire were described as a tornado of
fire. It burned 1.2 million acres with
damages in excess of $169 million - about
the same as the Chicago Fire.
The
wildfire that began south of New Franken spread north through the towns of
Union, Brussels and Forestville. In its
path was the small settlement of Williamsonville. Sixty residents perished in the conflagration
and the settlement was burned to the ground. Seven desperate men sought refuge in a well to
escape the inferno with five surviving.
click on images for a better look
Last weekend’s bike ride took us near the memorial park that marks the
location. It’s a sobering experience to
reread the story of the incredible tragedy of the Peshtigo fire. If you like history you can learn more about this catastrophe from UW-Madison.
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