The Peshtigo Fire
October 8, 1871
On the night of 8 October 1871, a firestorm tore through the drought-dry forests of northeastern Wisconsin, wiping out the lumber town of Peshtigo and nearby communities. Survivors sheltered in the Peshtigo River, some through the night. At least 1,200 people died, and possibly many more, making it the deadliest wildfire in US history; the true toll is unknown because local records burned. It is often called the forgotten fire, because the Great Chicago Fire broke out the very same night and took the headlines.