DeLand in Volusia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Wilcox Saloon
1886
Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011
1. Wilcox Saloon Marker
Inscription.
Wilcox Saloon. "The Great Fire" occurred late at night on Sept. 27, 1886. It is thought to have started from a smouldering cigar igniting the sawdust on the floor of the Wilcox Saloon in this block. The buildings, constructed of pine, were instantly engulfed. The town had only two small chemical wagons and the water from tanks and cisterns to fight the blaze. Fire swept both sides of the Boulevard and by morning twenty-two buildings and thirty-three stores were in ashes. The city passed two ordinances: no future wood-frame buildings and no more saloons in downtown DeLand. The latter decree was lifted when Prohibition was repealed in the 1930s.
"The Great Fire" occurred late at night on Sept. 27, 1886. It is thought to have started from a smouldering cigar igniting the sawdust on the floor of the Wilcox Saloon in this block. The buildings, constructed of pine, were instantly engulfed. The town had only two small chemical wagons and the water from tanks and cisterns to fight the blaze. Fire swept both sides of the Boulevard and by morning twenty-two buildings and thirty-three stores were in ashes. The city passed two ordinances: no future wood-frame buildings and no more saloons in downtown DeLand. The latter decree was lifted when Prohibition was repealed in the 1930s.
Erected by the West Volusia Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Florida - West Volusia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1920.
Location. 29° 1.703′ N, 81° 18.201′ W. Marker is in DeLand, Florida, in Volusia County. Marker is on North Woodland Boulevard (U.S. 17 /92) north of New York Avenue (State Road 44). The marker is in downtown DeLand, mounted on a building and facing the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Deland FL 32724, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. These nearby historical markers reference "The Great Fire".
Photographed By AGS Media, August 1, 2011
2. Wilcox Saloon Marker
Looking down Woodland Boulevard, the marker is seen to the left.
Photographed By AGS Media, November 26, 2011
3. Former site of the Wilcox Saloon
Where began DeLand's "Great Fire of 1886"
Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. This page has been viewed 737 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 29, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
