Remembering the deadliest fire in US history
The deadliest fire in US history raged through Peshtigo, Wisconsin.
On October 8, 1871, a firestorm roared through Peshtigo and surrounding areas. It not only killed over 2,000 people, it also destroyed the entire community and its livelihood. The Peshtigo Fire Museum preserves this heritage through:
- storytelling,
- exhibits of artifacts from the fire,
- displays of the lifestyle at the time of the disaster, and
- a cemetery to memorialize those who died.
The Fire Museum is housed in the first church built after the fire.
Gift Shop
A counter in the museum displays mementos and books available for purchase. (Online purchases are not available.)
Hours
We are excited to announce that effective May 27, 2021 the Peshtigo Fire Museum will be reopening the doors to the public!
In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID19, the Museum will require certain conditions upon entrance for all guests:
-Wearing a mask
-Use of the hand sanitizer station upon entry
-Social distancing of 6ft must be maintained throughout the Museum at all times
Normal hours: 10a-4p Memorial Day weekend through October 8th.
Admission
Donations are appreciated and enable our museum to stay open. Thank you!
Presentations
Museum workers are always available to share the story of the fire.
If your group has ten or more people, please fill out the Presentation Request Form or call 715-582-3244 (during the season only).
Fire statistics at a glance
Death toll: 1,200 – 2,500 (exact number unknown)
Square miles burned: 2,400
Acres burned: 1.3 million
Towns destroyed: 17
Trees destroyed: 2 billion
Fire Museum location
400 Oconto Avenue
Peshtigo, Wisconsin USA