Salisbury in Wicomico County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Great Salisbury Fire

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2013

1. The Great Salisbury Fire Marker

Inscription. On October 17, 1886 a small fire was discovered at Toadvine's Livery Stable on Dock Street, now Market Street. Fire spread very rapidly and eventually consumed 200 buildings including most of the commerical district. Soon after the fire began, Salisbury requested assistance from the other towns on the shore. Crisfield, Pokomoke City and Wilminton loaded their fire department steamers on special railroad trains and sent them to Salisbury's aid. The fire was brought under control on October 18, 1886, 17 hours after it began. Twenty-two acres in the center of Salisbury were consumed and only through the valiant efforts of the neighboring towns was the present county courthouse saved.

Erected by Tony Tank Tribe 149 of the Improved Order of Red Men, Salisbury Fire Department, Firemen's Historical Foundation of Delmarva.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Notable Events • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1726.

Location. 38° 21.931′ N, 75° 36.032′ W. Marker is in Salisbury, Maryland, in Wicomico County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Division Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street. Marker is in front of the courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salisbury MD 21801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Byrd Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); The General Humphreys Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Wye Oak Seedling (within shouting distance of this marker); F. Leonard Wailes Law Office (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Peter's Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wicomico Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Newtown Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Church Street Mural Project (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salisbury.

Other markers no longer nearby. Lynching in America / Lynching in Wicomico County (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Gen. John Henry Winder C.S.A. (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by F. Robby, November 3, 2007

2. The Great Salisbury Fire Marker

Salisbury Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by F. Robby, November 3, 2007

3. Salisbury Courthouse

Photographed by Pat Filippone, May 19, 2015

4. The Great Salisbury Fire Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2007, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4,557 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 15, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on November 30, 2007, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 4. submitted on May 20, 2015, by Pat Filippone of Stockton, California.