Historic Third Ward in Milwaukee in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Third Ward Fire

1892

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 18, 2017

1. Third Ward Fire Marker

at new location at the corner of N. Broadway and E Menomonee St.

Inscription. On the evening of October 28, 1892, an exploding oil barrel started a small fire in the Union Oil and Paint company warehouse, which was located at 323 N. Water Street. Another fire broke out in a nearby factory in the 300 block of N. Broadway, where Commission Row is now located. Before morning, 4 persons had died, 215 railroad cars were consumed, 440 buildings were destroyed, and more than 1,900 people in the Irish community were left homeless. In all, the “mountain of fire” engulfed 16 city blocks within the district. Property loss, the greatest in Milwaukee’s history, was estimated at 5 million dollars at the time.
Reconstruction began immediately. Within 30 years, predominantly Italian warehouse and manufacturing businesses had rebuilt the area, with a majority of the buildings dating from the 1890s. Today, the magnificent buildings of the Historic Third Ward stand as a tribute to the prominent architects who designed the structures and to those merchants who rebuilt the district as the center of dry goods commerce in Milwaukee.

Erected 1991 by Wisconsin State Historical Society. (Marker Number 310.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places

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. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 28, 1819.

Location. 43° 1.896′ N, 87° 54.429′ W. Marker is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County. It is in the Historic Third Ward. Marker is at the intersection of N. Broadway and East Menomonee Street, on the right when traveling south on N. Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 159 N Broadway, Milwaukee WI 53202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. W. Toepfer & Sons, Iron Works (a few steps from this marker); Clemens H. Kalvelage Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Birth of Pizza in Milwaukee (within shouting distance of this marker); O.R. Pieper Co. Grocers (within shouting distance of this marker); Steinkopf & Sons Tents & Awnings (within shouting distance of this marker); Wirth, Hammel and Co., Horse Stables (within shouting distance of this marker); Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Milwaukee Fire Dept. Engine Co. #10 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milwaukee.

Photographed By Paul F, September 27, 2010

2. Third Ward Fire Marker

Looking north along North Broadway. Marker is to the right.

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 18, 2017

3. Third Ward Fire Marker

looking south of the intersection of Broadway and Menomonee, towards Catalano Square.

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, July 18, 2017

4. Third Ward Fire Marker

looking across the street from the new location

Photographed By Robert L Weber, July 12, 2011

5. Third Ward Fire Marker

Marker at its old location at North Broadway and East Chicago Street.

Third Ward and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Robert L Weber, July 12, 2011

6. Third Ward and Marker

Marker at its old location at North Broadway and East Chicago Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,294 times since then and 79 times this year. Last updated on July 18, 2017, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on July 18, 2017, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on October 26, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 3, 4. submitted on July 18, 2017, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 5, 6. submitted on July 14, 2011, by Bob (peach) Weber of Dewey, Arizona. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.