The great Peshtigo fire of 1871 claimed the lives of 800 men, women and children and leveled the town. It was America's most disastrous forest fire. It occurred on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire, and so received less notoriety, despite the fact that there was greater loss of life and far more property damage. A museum is housed in the first church built in Peshtigo after this disaster, and is a living model of the area's history. The Peshtigo Fire Cemetery, on property adjoining the Fire Museum, contains the graves of many persons who lost their lives in the fire of October 8, 1871. A mass grave contains the remains of several hundred unidentified persons, and a monument is erected to the 800 persons who died in the holocaust.

Peshtigo has grown from the ashes of this great disaster to become the second largest city in Marinette County. This quaint town offers a variety of recreation opportunities, excellent dining, and a lovely city park and campground.

PESHTIGO HISTORICAL DAY

This year recognizes the 101st anniversary of the rebuilding and incorporation of the city of Peshtigo after its great fire destroyed the city. Held annually in September, activities include a run/walk, parade, food entertainment, and a Civil War contingent.

PESHTIGO FIRE FACTS

  • The Pestigo Fire occurred on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire - October 8, 1871.
  • The City of Peshtigo rebuilt and incorporated in 1903.
  • The Peshtigo Fire killed about five times more people than the Chicago Fire.
  • It covered 2,400 square miles - much larger than the village itself.
  • In the year 2000, 11,555 people from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 22 foreign countries visited the Peshtigo Fire Museum.
  • The memorial at the Peshtigo Fire Cemetery was the first official State Historical Marker authorized by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.


Content © 2008 Peshtigo Chamber of Commerce     Phone: 715-582-0327
Design © 2008 CenturyTel Web Solutions - Web Design and Hosting