One of the many blogs and travel websites I scoured while looking for the things to do in Door County mentioned Tornado Memorial Park near Sturgeon Bay. I couldn't remember the hubby ever telling me about a tornado in Door County. After a little more reading, I found out that it was a memorial to the people that died in the Peshtigo Fire in 1871 when a fire tornado hopped the Bay of Green and entered Door County.
Tornado Memorial Park is not too far from Renard's Cheese, one of those must stop for cheese curd places, just as you get into Door County. It is actually close to Southern Door High School in Brussels. It is not a large park but there are two memorials, one on either side of the park. The parking lot is a fair size as well.
The first memorial is dedicated to the 60 soles of Williamsville who perished in the Peshtigo Fire while taking refuge in an open field which is now the park.
The second memorial is dedicated to the Well Site where seven people hid during the Peshtigo Fire blocking the opening with a wet blanket. Five of the seven survived.
I grew up knowing about the Peshtigo Fire and actually visited the museum years ago. I did not know (or remembered) about the Door County fires and stories. I am always interested in these stories.
Check out the park on the way up to Door County next time. Take a few minutes to learn a random and mainly forgotten piece of Wisconsin History when it comes to the Peshtigo Fire.
No comments:
Post a Comment