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The Peshtigo Fire of 1871
The Peshtigo Fire of 1871: The Deadliest Wildfire in American History
October 8, 1871. Northeast Wisconsin. Peshtigo and 16 towns burn simultaneously.
Fires sparked by clear-cutting + months of drought. Winds hit 80 mph.
A "tornado of fire" 100 feet high incinerates 1.2 million acres.
1,200-2,500 dead (exact count unknown). Entire families vaporized.
Survivors jump into Peshtigo River, boiled alive by 120°F water.
Chicago's famous fire same day overshadows deadliest U.S. wildfire ever.
No rain for relief. Marshes explode. Iron bridges melt.
HistMuse reveals the forgotten inferno that burned America.
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By HistMuseThe Peshtigo Fire of 1871: The Deadliest Wildfire in American History
October 8, 1871. Northeast Wisconsin. Peshtigo and 16 towns burn simultaneously.
Fires sparked by clear-cutting + months of drought. Winds hit 80 mph.
A "tornado of fire" 100 feet high incinerates 1.2 million acres.
1,200-2,500 dead (exact count unknown). Entire families vaporized.
Survivors jump into Peshtigo River, boiled alive by 120°F water.
Chicago's famous fire same day overshadows deadliest U.S. wildfire ever.
No rain for relief. Marshes explode. Iron bridges melt.
HistMuse reveals the forgotten inferno that burned America.