The Peshtigo Fire of 1871 killed up to 2,500 people, yet it was largely overshadowed by the more famous Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on the same night.

All That's Interesting | 09.02.2026 00:00
On October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire tore through the city, killing 300 people and destroying some 17,000 wooden structures. It’s remembered today as one of the most infamous fires in American history, and most people know the story about Mrs. O’Leary cow’s allegedly starting the blaze by kicking over a lantern. But on the very same night, a far more deadly fire occurred some 250 miles north of Chicago: the Peshtigo Fire.
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