'Sketch of the Great Fires in Wisconsin' Summary

Frank Tilton, editor of the Green Bay Advocate, compiled this chilling account of the Peshtigo Fire, a wildfire that devastated northeastern Wisconsin on October 8, 1871. The fire, overshadowed by the Chicago Fire that occurred on the same day, remains the deadliest wildfire in recorded American history. Tilton's book details the fire's impact, providing chilling first-hand accounts from survivors and witnesses. He describes the fire's ferocity, the desperate firefighting efforts, and the unimaginable destruction it wrought, claiming the lives of an estimated 1,200 to 2,500 people. The book concludes on a hopeful note, recounting the generous contributions of aid and relief from across the country and beyond, showcasing the remarkable human spirit in the face of tragedy.