New Richmond in St. Croix County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
New Richmond Cyclone
Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2009
1. New Richmond Cyclone Marker
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New Richmond Cyclone. . The New Richmond Cyclone of 1899 remains the most disastrous tornado recorded in Wisconsin history. On the hot summer evening of June 12, with little warning and amazing force, a tornado swept through the thriving agricultural community of New Richmond, a city of about 2,000 people. In the tornado's path lay the entire business district, several Victorian neighborhoods and a visiting circus. The destruction was swift and brutal. Within minutes structures collapsed and fires ignited, leaving 117 people dead, another 150 injured, 230 buildings destroyed and over 400 animals lifeless. The next day volunteers began arriving on relief trains followed by medical teams and the state militia. Many tourists thronged to see the destruction; a few came to loot. Despite the grief and loss, most of the surviving New Richmond residents remained in the city and rebuilt their homes, churches and businesses. Five months later the community had over one hundred new buildings.
The New Richmond Cyclone of 1899 remains the most disastrous tornado recorded in Wisconsin history. On the hot summer evening of June 12, with little warning and amazing force, a tornado swept through the thriving agricultural community of New Richmond, a city of about 2,000 people. In the tornado's path lay the entire business district, several Victorian neighborhoods and a visiting circus. The destruction was swift and brutal. Within minutes structures collapsed and fires ignited, leaving 117 people dead, another 150 injured, 230 buildings destroyed and over 400 animals lifeless. The next day volunteers began arriving on relief trains followed by medical teams and the state militia. Many tourists thronged to see the destruction; a few came to loot. Despite the grief and loss, most of the surviving New Richmond residents remained in the city and rebuilt their homes, churches and businesses. Five months later the community had over one hundred new buildings.
Erected 1997 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 357.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location. 45° 6.509′
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N, 92° 32.292′ W. Marker is in New Richmond, Wisconsin, in St. Croix County. Marker is on Campus Drive, 0.1 miles south of Homestead Drive, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Richmond WI 54017, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,214 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 31, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
