The deadliest fire in the history of the United States occurred in a town you probably never heard of. On October 8th, 1871, Peshtigo, Wisconsin was totally consumed by fire, and over 1,200 people died. The fire was not widely reported in the press, because the Great Chicago Fire (October 8-10) got the headlines. Read a harrowing account of the Peshtigo fire at Damn Interesting. Link
The deadliest fire in the history of the United States occurred in a town you probably never heard of. On October 8th, 1871, Peshtigo, Wisconsin was totally consumed by fire, and over 1,200 people died. The fire was not widely reported in the press, because the Great Chicago Fire (October 8-10) got the headlines. Read a harrowing account of the Peshtigo fire at Damn Interesting. Link
It seems quite a few cities have a "great fire" in their histories. Stands to reason, though, seeing that most buildings were made out of wood in the olden days.
The Peshtigo Fire Museum is skeptical, though.
More info on their website:
http://www.peshtigofire.info/