The Ontonagon Fire of 1896 was a devastating wildfire that swept through the town of Ontonagon, Michigan, on August 26, 1896. Located on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Ontonagon was a small but significant community, heavily involved in lumbering and shipping. The fire ignited during a dry spell and rapidly spread, fueled by wooden structures, lumber yards, and a strong wind, eventually consuming most of the town.
The blaze destroyed homes, businesses, docks, and several vessels moored at the waterfront, including the City of the Straits, a schooner-barge that was tied up at Mercer’s dock. Despite the extensive property damage and the loss of numerous buildings and vessels, no lives were lost in the fire. The disaster left hundreds homeless and significantly impacted the local economy, marking a turning point in the town’s development and reshaping its historical landscape.