Peshtigo

Peshtigo is a city in Marinette County, Wisconsin, United States. It lies along the Peshtigo River near its outlet into Green Bay, on the northern shore of Lake Michigan. The community developed in the 19th century as a lumber town and river port, with industry tied to timber, shipping, and related services.

On October 8, 1871, the Peshtigo Fire swept through the area, destroying the town and surrounding communities. Estimates of the death toll vary, commonly cited in the range of about 1,200 to 2,500 people. The disaster occurred on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire, and although the events are often linked in public memory, they affected different regions. The fire prompted improvements in firefighting practices and public awareness of wildfire risk, and it left a lasting imprint on local history and identity.

In the decades after the blaze, Peshtigo rebuilt and gradually diversified its economy, with lumber-related industries remaining important for a time and later shifts toward manufacturing and services. Today the city has a smaller, multigenerational population and serves as a local center within eastern Marinette County. The Peshtigo Fire Museum preserves artifacts and narratives from the 1871 blaze and the town’s early years, offering context on the community’s resilience and recovery.