On October 8, 1871, Peshtigo wildfires consumed 3.5 million acres of timberland, but they were overshadowed by which concurrent event?
The Peshtigo Fire began October 8, 1871, near Green Bay, Wisconsin. The firestorm consumed 1.2 million acres of timber, destroyed 12 communities, and resulted in the most deaths by fire in the U.S. history - estimated deaths numbered 1,500 people and possibly as many as 2,500. But the same day the Great Chicago Fire began, destroying 3.3 square miles of the city's central business district, while the Great Michigan Fire destroyed the cities of Holland, Manistee, Port Huron and White Rock (in addition to 2.5 million acres of Michigan forest).
More Info:
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18 Comments
marijohnross
I learned something.
earlepg
I've only heard of the Peshtigo Fire by reputation through my college wildfire class. At that time I didn't know of the Chicago Fire, but we had a previous quiz question about the Chicago Fire and I recognized the date.
fabitzer
Learned all that stuff when I lived in Chi Town.
Annie
Got it
Boni Forte
Got it
Corey Taylor
I suppose Mrs. O'Leary's cow eventually made a delicious beef brisket!
epwjah
I don’t understand how the double chance works, since my first answer was wrong, my second was correct, but I was marked as incorrect!?
Janice Oliver Bobbitt
Had never hear of the Peshtigo fire.
Rick Malkowski
only 200 some deaths in Chicago
cathie
My Gramma was from Chicago and I remember her telling me about the fire there.
dlh
Missed it!
dsneed
No mention of number of lives lost in Chicago fire. More loss of acreage but what about lives? Got it right however, Yay me.
Linda Spreng
silrem, "practically nothing on Chicago fire" because the question was not about the Chicago fire. it was about the Peshtigo Fire.
silrem
Horribly inadequate skimpy explanation. Practically nothing on Chicago fire except mentioning it. People say how great the site is because they learn so much. Give us facts and Details.
hector tubens
Since fire was mentioned in the question, went with The Great Chicago Fire.