You’re probably aware of the Great Chicago Fire and the legend that Mrs. O’Leary’s cow was to blame. But how many of you know about another fire that took place just 250 miles north of Chicago in Peshtigo, Wisconsin on exactly the same day, October 8, 1871? Although the Chicago fire was devastating, the Peshtigo fire (referred to by locals and historians as “The Forgotten Fire”) actually caused wider property destruction and greater loss of life.
Mural in Peshtigo Fire Museum
The Devastation
The Peshtigo fire raged through a 2,400 square mile area and killed about 1,200 people. Compare that to the Chicago fire which covered an area of three and a third square miles and took the lives of about 300 people. A common denominator in both events was a prolonged, severe drought in the Midwestern United States. But in northeastern Wisconsin, the drought combined with strong winds to create an inferno from fires burned in the normal course of life and industry at the time. Campfires, stump-burning, “slash and burn” land-clearing practices all contributed.
The Memorial
Peshtigo Fire Museum in Peshtigo, Wisconsin
Since 1963, the Peshtigo Historical Society has operated the Peshtigo Fire Museum as a memorial to the victims and survivors of the fire. It’s located in a former Congregational church that was moved from another location in 1927. At the time of the Peshtigo fire, a Catholic Church stood on the site.
Mass Grave of Fire Victims in Peshtigo
Adjacent to the museum is the Fire Cemetery where victims and survivors of the fire are buried. A mass grave holds the remains of about 350 victims who could not be identified.
There aren’t many artifacts in the museum from the fire itself. After all, nearly everything was destroyed at the time. However, the tabernacle from the Catholic church in the photo below was saved from the fire by the parish priest, Father Pernin.
These shards of glass, a charred bible, and a woman’s melted watch are among the few remnants that have been found. The bible was found in 1995 during the course of some work being done near the town drugstore.
Recovered Remnants
Woman’s Watch
Life and Times
Several exhibits illustrate what life was like during the time of the fire and into the early 20th century with authentic items donated by local residents, including clothing, furniture, glassware, dolls and books. The mannequins might seem a little odd, but on what is surely a low budget, I think the historical society has done a good job in portraying a past way of life.
Late 19th Century Classroom
General Store
Footwear of the Times
This and That From Other Times
What the museum doesn’t have in salvaged artifacts from the fire, it makes up for with a large, eclectic collection of donated items from various eras. Storage areas behind the museum and in the basement are packed with antiques that represent the post-fire history of Peshtigo and its people. I’m sure I didn’t see everything, but I did take notice of telephone switchboards, a boat made in 1914, old dentist office equipment, animal traps, tools, musical instruments, World War I military uniforms, looms, typewriters, my personal favorite — a vintage Helene Curtis hair dryer, and much more.
Bicycle Built for Two at Peshtigo Fire Museum
Antique Telephone Switchboards
Now you know about “The Forgotten Fire”. I think it’s quite commendable that the historical society has managed to keep the museum in operation for 49 years solely with donations and the aide of volunteers. Pay them a visit if you’re ever in the area.
The museum is open from May to October. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
It must have been a really huge fire for the town to put up a memorial. How sad 🙁
It really was a huge fire that destroyed a wide area in that part of Wisconsin — one of the worst forest fires in U.S. history.
You find the most interesting museums, Cathy! I liked how they incorporated exhibits of how life was like during the days. Those switchboards look so complicated. It’s a wonderful tribute to the fire and tragedy. That mural is very sad and gave me goosebumps. I’m sure its impact was more powerful when seen in person.
Thanks, Mary. I had known about this museum for quite a while (my father, a former Chicago fireman had been there) but had not had a chance to visit. So glad that I did.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I had never even heard of the Forgotten Fire until reading this post. Very interesting read and it’s amazing what a local group of volunteers can do to keep history alive.
You’re not alone, Laurel!
I have to admit I am beginning to live for Thursdays – and posts like this are the reasons why. This is so interesting and something I’d likely never have known had you not written about it. Thanks Cathy for another great post and photos.
Thanks, Jackie. I’m constantly learning something new from my fellow travel bloggers.
I love learning the history of the smaller towns we know nothing about! This museum looks very interesting. Love those shoes too 🙂
Every place has its stories — and even the small towns can have big stories.
My feet hurt just thinking of squeezing into that footwear!
If a fire like that happened now it would hit social media in a very big way and would never be The Forgotten Fire, I LOVE your photo of the mural.
Thanks, Leigh. You are so right about social media — thew word would be out right away, even about small town like Peshtigo.
Thank you for sharing this museum and information, Cathy. I hadn’t heard of the Forgotten Fire before reading this…what a sad story and beautiful tribute.
On another note, I did get a kick out of remembering the old song “Late last night, when I was home in bed, Miss O’Leary took a lantern to the shed…” 🙂
Oh, I’m so glad that you remembered that song! 🙂
What a cool musuem. There is one like this in Nashville that displays scene and sets them all up. It’s really cool. I didn’t know about this fire, and really didn’t know that much about the great fire in Chicago. I need a history brush up!
Growing up in the Chicago area, we spent quite a bit of time learning about Chicago history. School children in Peshtigo learn about the great fire there, but the word hasn’t really gotten out anywhere else — except on Traveling with Sweeney, of course. 🙂
I never knew about this fire! Thanks for sharing the info. and your wonderful photos. (I like your photo with Prague in the background…or at least I think that’s Prague!)
Thanks, Nancie! My profile photo was actually taken in Heidelberg, Germany, but I can how it could be mistaken for Prague. Both places are favorites of mine.
Nicely illustrated story about a place I’d never heard of before.
Thanks, Dick. You weren’t the only one who had never heard of Peshtigo, Wisconsin!
What an interesting museum and memorial. I had heard of the Great Fire in Chicago but had no idea that this one had occurred in Peshtigo. That amount of acreage burned and lives lost in a rural area must have been quite devastating.
I was shocked to find out how much area was destroyed and how many lives were lost. It was also chilling to stand by that mass grave where the remains of 350 are buried.
Truly fascinating my friend. I had no idea that another fire occurred on the same day and caused greater devastation. Thanks for shedding light on this tragic but forgotten story. Thanks to you, it’s no longer forgotten!
Jeff, thank you! Glad to have a forum to shed a little light on this historic tragedy.
How interesting! I’d never heard of the “Forgotten Fire” before. (I suppose that’s why they call it “forgotten.”) What a sad loss of life, but at least this museum is keeping the memory alive.
Isn’t it wonderful that there are people who care enough about their community’s history to work so hard to keep the memory alive?
I can just imagine wearing those boots while bicycling on that bicycle built for two.
I don’t know how those women wore those skinny boots. Ouch!
You know why it’s the forgotten fire don’t you? Marketing. The Chicago fire has a catchy backstory with Mrs. O’Leary’s cow. Peshtigo needs something like that to blame the fire on and build up a legend around. Either that or they can try and piggyback on the Chicago fire and just claim it was a really fast cow.
Truthfully though, I never knew about this fire. Thanks for bringing it to light.
You actually hit the nail on the head – marketing was a big thing even back then. Of course the cow story got a lot of attention! Also, communications were a big problem. The sole telegraph line up in Peshtigo was down. Hard for word to get out.
Love seeing old stuff saved and showcased in a great fashion for us to see and learn from
There’s always something to learn, isn’t there? Thanks for coming by, Eileen!
Wow, a devastating fire that almost got eclipsed by a smaller one. It’s not just now that the media focus on one story to the exclusion of another, bigger one. Glad the town decided to do something.
You’re right, Marcia. As Steve was commenting above — Mrs. O’Leary’s cow was a good (if questionable) story. And of course, Chicago was a big city… Nobody thought very much about a small Wisconsin town and rural area.
Gosh, how horrific. Looks like an int museum though. Those mannequinns looks a little unsettling! A nice little slice of life from days gone by.
LOL about the mannequins. I liked the exhibits, but the mannequins made me think of old department store displays.
Wow. I had never heard of this fire. What a great post. Love that you found this museum and shared what you learned there!
Thanks, Courtney. My pleasure to share new information. Glad to give the historic event & the Peshtigo community a little press.
Wow…I like to think I’m a bit of a history buff, and I had never heard of this fire. Great stuff Cathy!
Wow, that must have been devastating. It’s weird what is remembered and what isn’t sometimes…
Wow, I had no idea about this fire. Crazy…I cannot imagine so many people dying so tragically. What really got me was the melted watch and how the wet blanket over their heads saved the life of a family
Excellent post and photos
You just peeked the interest of a history teacher–and we can work this stop into our next drive to Chicago. Fun!
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Were the two switchboards, shown, operated in the village of Peshtigo, WI?? If so, do you have a picture of the building in which they were operated?? Thank You for any assistance you may give me!!! Duane L. Goff
Hi Duane – thanks for the comment. I emailed the City of Peshtigo to see if they could help. The museum is currently closed until Memorial Day. I’ll let you know if I hear back. You might want to try contacting them, too. Here’s the phone: (715) 582-3041 email: cityhall@cityofpeshtigo.us — Let us know if you find out.
Were the two switchboards, shown, operated in the village of Peshtigo, WI?? If so, do you have a picture of the building in which they were operated?? Thank You for any assistance you may give me!!! Duane L. Goff