May 17, 2023

Michigan Forest Fires in the 1800s Devastate the Thumb

Michigan Forest Fires in the 1800’s Impact Today

1881 Michigan Fire Burt District

The great Michigan forest fires of 1881 swept over four counties in three days, destroyed nearly two million dollars worth of property, and killed two hundred and eighty people. 

How Did the Great Michigan Fire Start?

Their extent and irresistible power were largely due to atmospheric conditions. The summer of 1881 was excessively dry, and the drought had done its work nowhere more effectively than in the wide, blunt, tongue of land which lies between Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. At the northern end of this tongue is Huron County. It was one of the worst fires in Michigan forest fire history.


Read about the Great Michigan Fire of 1881 at Thumbwind.com



Related Reading

1871 Great Fire – The Burning Great Lakes

1881 Fire: The Devastation of Parisville


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Michaela Nolte

Michaela is a history buff and loves to export historical markers and old buildings and seeks stories about Michigan and Great Lakes history. When she is not writing, you can find her with a good book sipping wine on the beach.

View all posts by Michaela Nolte →

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