Phillips in Price County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Phillips Fire
Photographed By Keith L, September 15, 2011
1. Phillips Fire Marker
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°
this page online
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.)
Photographed By Keith L, September 15, 2011
2. Phillips Fire Marker
Photographed By Keith L, September 15, 2011
3. Tablet at Marker
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.
