|
New Richmond Cyclone WI357 |
|
|
The New Richmond Cyclone of 1899 remains the most disastrous tornado recorded
in Wisconsin history. On the hot summer evening of June 12, with little warning
and amazing force, a tornado swept through the thriving agricultural community of
New Richmond, a city of about 2,000 people. In the tornado's path lay the entire
business district, several Victorian neighborhoods and a visiting circus. The destruction
was swift and brutal. Within minutes structures collapsed and fires ignited,
leaving 117 people dead, another 150 injured, 230 buildings destroyed and over
400 animals lifeless. The next day volunteers began arriving on relief trains followed
by medical teams and the state militia. Many tourists thronged to see the
destruction; a few came to loot. Despite the grief and loss, most of the surviving
New Richmond residents remained in the city and rebuilt their homes, churches
and businesses. Five months later the community had over one hundred new
buildings.
Erected 1997
Campus Drive, Outlot #3, New Richmond, Saint Croix County Wisconsin
|
Comments () |
|
|
|
|
|
Wisconsin 