Russellville Fire of 1906 - Russellville, Ar. - Famous Fires on Waymarking.com

This metal marker is located on the north facade of a building located at 302 West Main. The text of the marker reads:

Fire of 1906

Late in the afternoon of January 17, 1906, a fire started in the Chronister Brothers Grocery. Three hours later, twenty-two buildings, valued at two-hundred-fifty thousand dollars, were in ashes. Half of the central business district, housing barbers, an undertaker, jewelers, grocers, tailors, druggist, furniture and hardware merchants and clothiers was destroyed. Within six months, most of the buildings were rebuilt. This photograph was taken facing north from south of Main Street. It indicates the extent of the damage.

Pope County Pope County Historical Association

From ArkansasPreservation:
(visit link)

"...On the night of January 16, 1906, a fire destroyed nearly half of the downtown business district. The fire included both sides of Commerce Street from Main to “B” Street. Ironically, Russellville had just formed a fire department and ordered fire-fighting equipment, all of which had not arrived. The newly formed fire department, insufficiently organized, was helpless to contain the ravaging fire which, fueled by strong winds, spread to the north side of Main Street from Commerce. In less than three hours, twenty-three buildings were destroyed. The estimated loss was $250,000 of which only 40% was insured. In addition to the loss of the buildings and their stock, many of the citizens of Russellville who worked in the businesses abruptly lost their jobs."

Type of Structure: Private Building Fire Date: 01/17/1906 Structure status: Plaque Cause of Fire: Started in a Grocery Store and spread to most of the downtown area of Russellville. Documentation of the fire: [Web Link] Other: Not listed Construction Date: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Give a narrative of your experience. Did you learn anything after reading about the fire in the waymark? Photos are always welcome too. Please no virtual visits.

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