Great Fire of 1881
Small fires were burning in the forests of the Thumb, tinder-dry after a long, hot summer, when a gale swept in from the southwest on September 5, 1881. Fanned into an inferno, the fires raged for three days. A million acres were devastated in Sanilac and Huron Counties alone. At least 125 persons died, and thousands more were left destitute. The new American Red Cross won support for its prompt aid to the fire victims. This was the first disaster relief furnished by this great organization.
site number: S141
era: Industry & Invention (1875-1915)
year listed: 1957
year erected: 1957
location: 341 S Unionville Rd, Bay Port, MI 48720
