Alright let's start with a little background knowledge to help us better understand the fires and how they could spread so rapidly. The Midwest saw a significantly less amount of rain from 1870 to 1871 than it had in the past. Most of the Midwest was considered in the Extreme to Exceptional drought categories which are the 2 highest drought ratings with Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan seeing the worst. Dry vegetation and brush was everywhere. Anyone who has been through a drought can now imagine how the fires could have spread so rapidly. Also remember at this time, the main way of travel was horse drawn carriages or railroads. The transcontinental railroad was still under construction in some parts of the country including the Midwest. Throughout the beginning of October, several smaller fires had raged and been put out.
Chicago Fire
Chicago was a fast growing city in the 1800’s. By 1850 the city had a population of about 300,000 and had quickly tripled by 1860. Many poor lived in crowded areas in the center of the city, while the middle and upper classes had spread out along the border of the city. Now that the stage is set, let’s go to the night of October 8, 1871. It is unsure what caused the actual fire in Chicago, but they do know that it started. After the fire, a newspaper would publish a fabricated story that a cow had kicked a lantern over in the barn. There is no evidence that backs up this claim. While many buildings claimed to be fireproof at this time, it just basically meant that the outside layer of the building was fire resistant, but everything underneath that first layer was typically made of wood. We all know how much fire loves wood. So it’s easy to understand why the fire spread almost 4 square miles through the city of Chicago before it was put out over 24 hours later.
The city was already running low on water and fire fighters after putting out a smaller fire that had been started the day before. Fires were common back then because the buildings make great kindling. The great fire started on Chicago’s west side. The wind quickly helped to fuel the spreading flames. Misdirected firefighters arrived too late. It is reported that the wind caused “fire devils” which are what I picture fire-nadoes looking like. This allowed embers to easily spread from building to building. As the fire moved north west, people tried to flee.
Gina’s Macabre Moment
Within the first hour of the fire, the Waterworks building caught fire. This was the main source of water for the city of Chicago. The business district was quickly destroyed. It is reported that approximately over 17,000 buildings were destroyed and about 73 miles of street. While only 300 people died, it is the most famous fire in US history. In one of the sources I read, it said that the flames got so hot that some people just combusted into flames as they were trying to escape. Over a third of the population was left homeless.
Luckily the stockyards, lumberyards, and most of the grain mills survived the fire. This allowed the city to quickly rebuild. The railroad was also spared which allowed aid to be quickly sent. By 1880, Chicago was mostly rebuilt and attracted over half a million people to call it home.
Peshtigo Firestorm
Alright I have to say, I had never heard of this. My students asked me what the deadliest natural disaster in US history was. Peshtigo is the deadliest fire even if it isn’t well known. Lucky for our listeners, now they will know about it! We already know the Midwest was as dry as a mummy’s dick so it’s no surprise that a forest fire would easily rage across several acres. It is believed that some railroad workers were clearing track for the evenings when they started a brush fire. Likely to burn what had been on the track. Nowadays we know when we’re in a drought not to start a fire. Lessons learned the hard way I guess. While we joke, this was of course a serious issue.
The town of Peshtigo was a bustling lumber town that provided lumber for building to the popular growing city of Chicago. The lumber companies during this time, often left piles of lumber along with unused brush and debris everywhere. This would provide excellent fuel for the ever growing fire headed to Peshtigo. After several days of unseasonable heat, a low front arrived and along with it, very strong winds. Up to 100 mph winds were reported. As parents tucked their young ones into bed on the night of October 8, the smell of ashes rose up. Sadly none would pay attention because the smell was a common occurrence in the area.
Gina’s Macabre Moment part 2
The fire tore apart the town in about an hour and would continue to burn in 16 other towns, but Peshtigo would see the worst. People ran to the river for safety, but in October the water in Michigan and Wisconsin was cold. If they didn’t die by fire, many died of injuries or hypothermia. Animals also rushed into the river for safety. Some victims drowned in the river due to all the chaos. Between 1,200 to 2,500 would be determined dead from the fires, with up to 800 of them just from Peshtigo. Many towns had their documents and manuscripts burned in the fire so it was hard to get an accurate listing of all those missing. They also had a hard time identifying victims because many were burned beyond recognition. Once the fire’s were put out, the townspeople who were still alive dug a mass grave for all those who lost their lives during the Peshtigo Fire. Only 2 buildings were left standing.
Just like Chicago, Peshtigo rebuilt. Our country also saw the need to better laws surrounding lumber companies and construction of buildings so stricter laws were made. And there you have the high story of the Midwest Fires. What did you find interesting or your take a-ways from today’s episode?
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