Phillips in Price County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Phillips Fire
On July 27, 1894 forest fires racing through dry timber slashings descended on Phillips from three directions. Within a matter of hours the city of 2500 persons lay in smoldering ruins. More than 400 homes, the business district, a new tannery and the large sawmill were totally destroyed. Thirteen lives were lost, all in attempts to escape the flames by crossing the lake. Many families abandoning their possessions crossed the Elk River at the north end of the city to spend a frightening fire-reddened night at the water's edge, protecting themselves from the heat and flying embers. Undaunted these same valiant people built a new Phillips on the ashes of the ruins. Squaw Island seen across Lake Duroy is of historical interest. For many years before Phillips was settled and for some years after it was an Indian burial ground.
Erected 1957 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 65.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Disasters • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 27, 1894.
Location. 45° 41.23′ N, 90° 23.623′ W. Marker is in Phillips, Wisconsin, in Price County. Marker is on South Lake Avenue (State Highway 13) north of Walnut Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is next to the Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 South Lake Avenue, Phillips WI 54555, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Phillips Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Lidice Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Historic Fifield (approx. 13.3 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Price Country Wisconsin - History. County Website entry (Submitted on February 3, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Phillips Wisconsin History. (Submitted on September 16, 2011.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 882 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.