Sketch of the Great Fires in Wisconsin

The Peshtigo fire, which devastated Northeastern Wisconsin on October 8, 1871, is the deadliest wildfire in recorded history, with fatalities estimated between 1,200 and 2,500. This tragic uncertainty arises from the fact that many victims were buried in mass graves, leaving their identities unknown. The blaze scorched between 1.2 and 1.5 million acres, often overshadowed by the Great Chicago Fire—occurring the same day—which claimed around 300 lives and engulfed approximately 2,000 acres. In this gripping account, Frank Tilton, editor of the Green Bay Advocate, offers a detailed portrayal of the region before plunging into the harrowing events of the fire and the frantic firefighting efforts that ensued. Tiltons journalistic skill shines as he shares chilling firsthand accounts from survivors. Yet, the narrative closes on a note of hope, highlighting the outpouring of aid—both material and monetary—totaling around $350,000, equivalent to about $8 million today. For more information ab