The Lake City Fire of 1888

An 1895 map showing the area burned in 1888

On this 136th anniversary of a great tragedy, we share the story of the Great Fire of Lake City on 4 July 1888. 

After a lovely day of Independence Day celebrations, Lake City had a night that was definitely not the greatest Fourth in the north. A fire started downtown late at night, and over many hours consumed most of the business district and several homes. It wasn't the first nor the last major fire in Lake City, but likely still holds the record for most destruction. 

The document linked below is a preview chapter from a forthcoming book on 19th century tragedies in Missaukee County. 

​Read the full story of the Great Fire of 1888!

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