Independence in Saint Louis County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Fires of Autumn 1918
The Cloquet-Moose Lake forest fire of October 12-13, 1918, which almost reached this location, was one of the most destructive forest fires in Minnesota's recorded history. Like other major fires, this one took place on cutover land- the stumps and waste that remained after the great pine forests of northeastern Minnesota were harvested for lumber.
Consisting of five or six major fires and several smaller ones, the Cloquet-Moose Lake fire started during a severe drought in the fall of 1918. It burned 390 square miles. Official reports listed 453 people killed. Years later, in 1929, the State erected a monument in the Riverside Cemetery, in Moose Lake, commemorating the residents who lost their lives. Large portions of Cloquet, then known as "the white pine
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capitol of the world," burned complete. Approximately 8,000 inhabitants evacuated ahead of the oncoming flames. The fire reached the east side of Duluth and burned homes in several neighborhoods before it stopped.
Massive public and private relief efforts helped survivors get back on their feet, but efforts in the courts to secure compensation for damages were unsuccessful. In 1935, after a long struggle, federal legislation was approved to pay parts of the victims' claims.
The events of 1918 were etched into the memories of people who lived through them, and the fire was always a reference point when talking about the past. Things were described as being either 'before the fire" or "after the fire."
To learn more, including stories of those who lived through the tragedy, read "The Fires of Autumn: the Cloquet-Moose Lake Disaster of 1918" by Francis M. Carroll and Franklin R. Raiter, published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press in 1990.
Erected 2002 by Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1846.
Location. 46° 57.594′ N, 92° 27.742′ W. Marker is in Independence, Minnesota, in Saint Louis County. Marker is on State Highway 53 near State Highway 33. The marker is located between the north and south bound lanes of US 53, just north of the Minnesota Route 33 interchange. Use MN 33 to reach the entrance to the wayside. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saginaw MN 55779, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2009, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,285 times since then and 443 times this year. Last updated on July 18, 2023, by Liz Koele of St. Paul, Minnesota. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2023, by Liz Koele of St. Paul, Minnesota. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 23, 2009, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. 7. submitted on July 18, 2023, by Liz Koele of St. Paul, Minnesota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.