Hinckley Fire: Introduction
The Great Hinckley Fire, which occurred on September 1, 1894 in Minnesota, burned over 300 square miles, including the town of Hinckley. The estimated death toll was 418. The area had experienced a two-month drought with high temperatures, and small fires started in the pine forests in the area. Cut branches from logged trees provided ready fuel for the fires, which joined to create a firestorm. The fire completely destroyed the towns of Hinckley, Brook Park, and Mission Creek. Some people survived by climbing into wells, ponds, or the Grandstone River. Others were saved by trains that carried them away from the fire.
Resources at the IFSI Library
Under A Flaming Sky: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894 by Call Number: F614.H6.B76 2006ISBN: 1592288634Publication Date: 2006
Online Resources
- Hinckley Fire MuseumThis museum, located in Hinckley, Minnesota, is dedicated to the history of the fire, the victims, and the survivors. It is housed in the former rail depot constructed after the fire. After the fire, the state of Minnesota used relief funds to construct housing for the survivors, and the museum includes a reconstruction of a "fire relief house."
- Minnesota History Center--Gale Family LibraryThis is a research guide to the Hinckley fire created by the Minnesota History Center. Many of the resources it recommends are at the library in Minnesota.
- City of Hinckley--The Great Hinckley Fire of 1894This description of the fire is provided by the City of Hinckley.
Librarian
IFSI Library Information
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IFSI Library Staff:
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