Remembering the Great Peshtigo Fire

Peshtigo survived the worst fire in American history and now uses its history to drive today’s economic development. The Great Peshtigo Fire also burned 16 other towns, but the damage in Peshtigo was the worst. The city was destroyed within an hour. In the unfortunate town of Peshtigo alone, 800 lives were lost.

Over a century later, Peshtigo has risen from the ashes, yet the town hasn’t forgotten the event. Actually, they’ve used history to spur economic development.

Bigger than the Great Chicago Fire

Many people have heard of the Great Chicago Fire and the lore of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow knocking over a lantern that sparked a fire that destroyed much of the city. The fire killed approximately 300 people, destroyed roughly 3.3 square miles, but it pales in comparison to a fire that started on the very same day. Yes, the Great Peshtigo fire started on October 8, 1871, the same day as the Great Chicago Fire. Although it was a larger and more devastating fire, it has always been overshadowed by the fire that occurred simultaneously 250 miles to the south.

Based on survivor accounts, the fire was started by railroad workers clearing land that Sunday, starting a fire that raged out of control. The abnormally dry conditions and high winds created ideal conditions for widespread devastation. Without the firefighting capabilities we have today, the fire became unstoppable, tearing through 1.2 to 1.5 million acres. The overall death toll of the Great Peshtigo Fire was 1,200, with some estimates reaching as many as 2,500 deaths. Many times greater than the fire that devastated Chicago.

Those of you who read this blog know that I’m a fan of The History Guy. Here is a good, short documentary on the fire from his YouTube page:

The Firestorm Hits Peshtigo

In 1871, Peshtigo was a bustling lumber town on the banks of the Peshtigo River in northeastern Wisconsin. Surrounded by dense pine forests, the town benefited from a booming timber industry. Yet, Peshtigo was a veritable powder keg. The town was built almost entirely of wood—homes, sidewalks, businesses, and filled with sawdust, debris, and leftover timber from lumber mills.

A powerful cold front swept in the evening of October 8th, bringing with it strong winds that turned small, controlled burns into a firestorm. The flames, fueled by tornadoic winds, swept through Peshtigo, giving residents mere minutes to react to what was happening around them.

The few survivors in Peshtigo described walls of flame, burning whirlwinds, and fire raining from the sky. Many only survived by submerging themselves in the Peshtigo River, occasionally gasping for air that was filled with smoke and ash. In total, twelve communities were wiped off the map. But Peshtigo suffered the most. Approximately 800 lives were lost in this devastated town. Nearly everything in Peshtigo was gone.

The Recovery

Despite the tragic destruction, the community of Peshtigo refused to give up. Within days, aid began to arrive. Food, clothing, lumber, and tools arrived by train and boat from nearby cities. Donations would flow in from as far as the East Coast and Europe to help the recovery efforts.

The close-knit community banded together to clear debris and rebuild homes, businesses, and churches. A temporary hospital was constructed, and orphan care was set up for the many children who lost their parents on that horrific night.

By the spring of 1872, new structures had risen out of the ashes. The town slowly rebuilt, and within a decade, Peshtigo had reclaimed its place as a thriving lumber hub in northern Wisconsin.

Using History for Today

Today, the Peshtigo Fire Museum stands on the site of the old Congregational Church. The museum curates artifacts recovered from the fire and shares personal stories from survivors. The cemetery nearby includes a mass grave for over 350 unidentified victims, a solemn reminder of the scale of the tragedy.

Each year, the town holds Peshtigo Historical Day, where the community gathers in remembrance of the event. There’s a run/walk in the morning followed by a parade through town. After the parade, event activities are hosted in a local park, which include historical reenactors, arts and crafts sales, as well as plenty of food and other activities.

There are also a number of other reminders throughout town of the fire. The Forgotten Fire Winery rests on the southeastern edge of the town. On the opposite end of town is Embers 1871, a fine dining establishment. Another eatery, the Peshtigo Corral, has an old western decor and pictures from the past lining the walls.

Why It Matters to Other Communities

The Great Peshtigo Fire offers important lessons for other communities:

• Disaster mitigation planning was virtually non-existent in 1871. FEMA wouldn’t even be created for nearly another century. However, effective disaster mitigation planning and plan implementation could have helped limit the losses experienced by Peshtigo. Mitigation planning today can be even more effective for towns facing the possibility of similar tragedies.
• The Great Peshtigo Fire is yet another example of the incredible power of human resilience in the face of disaster. But it is often overshadowed by the Great Chicago Fire. Community leaders need to preserve history for future generations so that it isn’t forgotten.
• Although disasters can create hurtful memories, residents can eventually utilize such notable events for the long-term benefit of the community. Turning lemons into lemonade can improve economic sustainability while honoring the events of the past.

Final Thoughts

The story of Peshtigo deserves more than a footnote in history. It’s a story of devastation, but also of community, courage, and recovery. It’s also a story of how a community can use its darkest moments to help create a better tomorrow.

Do you know of a community that has not only recovered from tragedy but also used the experience to build a better future? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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September is National Preparedness Month. Each year, National Preparedness Month is recognized to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning.