On October 7, 1871 a huge fire blazed through Wisconsin. Throughout the day and into the next approximately 1,200 people lost their lives, 200 of which were in a single tavern in Peshtigo. Not many people are aware of the fire because it happened only one day before The Great Chicago Fire.
The fire began in an unknown location in a Wisconsin forest, but then blazed into Sugar Bush, where every last resident was killed by the fire. The 200-foot flames moved swiftly into Peshtigo where the temperature quickly rose to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which ultimately causes the trees to explode. Many people sought shelter at a nearby river, however they drowned to death. Three people sought refuge in a water tank, and were boiled to death when the fire arrived.
The fire caused an extensive amount of damage, however the event is still unknown to millions of Americans because it was overshadowed by the Chicago Fire the next day.
This event causes the cities and the state of Wisconsin to come together, but I mourn for the families who lost their loved ones in such a tragic way.
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