Inventory of the Peshtigo Fire Centennial Collection, 1970 - 1990
What is this document?
Descriptive Summary
| Abstract: | The Peshtigo Fire of October 8, 1871 was the deadliest wildfire in United States history. The fire was centered on Peshtigo, a lumber town in northeastern Wisconsin, located on the Peshtigo River about six miles upstream from Lake Michigan's Green Bay. Fires in the surrounding woods hit the Peshtigo area on the evening of October 8th, 1871. In the hour between nine and ten o'clock that night, the town of Peshtigo was entirely destroyed. In total, at least 1,200 lives were lost as the fire spread devastation through northeastern Wisconsin, around Green Bay, and into Michigan's Upper Peninsula. |
| The collection includes materials documenting the centennial commemorations of the Peshtigo Fire in 1971. Contained in the collection are event programs, commemorative items, publications, letters, newspaper clippings, photographs, and other materials. | |
| Title: | Peshtigo Fire Centennial Collection, 1970 - 1990 |
| Creator: | Baumann, Karl W. |
| Repository: | Forest History Society Library and Archives |
| Call Number: | 7899 |
| Language of Material: | Material in English |
| Extent: | 0.5 linear ft. (1 archival box) |
Historical Note
The Peshtigo Fire of October 8, 1871 was the deadliest wildfire in United States history. The fire was centered on Peshtigo, a lumber town in northeastern Wisconsin, located on the Peshtigo River about six miles upstream from Lake Michigan's Green Bay. Fires in the surrounding woods hit the Peshtigo area on the evening of October 8th, 1871. In the hour between nine and ten o'clock that night, the town of Peshtigo was entirely destroyed. In total, at least 1,200 lives were lost as the fire spread devastation through northeastern Wisconsin, around Green Bay, and into Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The majority of the fire's victims were in the immediate Peshtigo area. Despite this being the most devastating forest fire in American history, the Peshtigo Fire was immediately overshadowed by the Great Chicago Fire that occurred on the same day -- October 8, 1871.
In 1971, commemorative centennial observances were held in the town of Peshtigo on the weekend of Friday, October 8th to Sunday, October 10th. A series of events marked the 100th anniversary of the fire, recognizing the fire's historical importance and paying tribute to the thousands of lives lost. Peshtigo mayor Henry Drees and the Peshtigo Fire Centennial Committee organized the weekend's events.
Collection Overview
Collection Arrangement
1. Programs, Letters, Publications, Clippings, and Other Materials, 1970-1990
Subject Headings
- Forest fires
- Forest fires -- Wisconsin -- Peshtigo -- History -- 19th century
- Peshtigo Fire, Peshtigo, Wis., 1871
- Peshtigo (Wis.) -- History
Detailed Description of the Collection
1. Programs, Letters, Publications, Clippings, and Other Materials, 1970-1990.
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Centennial seal commemorating the 1871 Peshtigo fire, designed by Peshtigo resident Wes Henry. |
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Commemorative envelope marking the centennial of the 1871 Peshtigo Fire. |
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Black and white print of U.S. Forest Service poster by Rudy Wendelin, commemorating the 1871 Peshtigo Fire. |
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Copyright Notice
Copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Peshtigo Fire Centennial Collection, Library and Archives, Forest History Society, Durham, NC, USA.
Acquisitions Information
Received from Karl W. Baumann in August 2010
Processing Information
Processed by Eben Lehman, October 2011
Encoded by Eben Lehman, October 2011
Support for digitization and outreach provided by the Alvin J. Huss Endowment.