On September 5, 1908, the most devastating chapter in Chisholm’s history began to unfold. Around noon, the people of Chisholm noticed a large cloud of smoke to the west, towards Hibbing. They remained unalarmed due to the fact that the wind was blowing in the opposite direction. Throughout the afternoon, the fire inched steadily closer, but there was not much concern because it looked as though the fire would pass by about a half of a mile out of town. Unfortunately, at about five-thirty in the afternoon there was a sudden shift in the wind. These winds were quite strong and it is believed that the fire spread so quickly because a gust of wind picked up a large ball of flame and carried it across the lake and directly into town. At this time, there was a widespread panic as it became evident that the fire was going to sweep through the town. Within minutes the town was empty except for the few who stayed behind to try to fight the fire. This attempt at salvation was cut short as the fire struck the pumping station at seven. Since the firefighters had seen most of Chisholm already destroyed, they left expecting to return to nothing.

The devastation was soon realized as the citizens began to return. What remained on Lake Street, the thriving main business street of Chisholm, were two buildings. As for the rest of the town, of the five-hundred buildings that had once stood, only sixty-five remained. The destruction was complete and the losses high. It was estimated that the cost to rebuild after the fire would be at least $1,500,000.00. Miraculously, although the fire ravished the town and much was lost, not a single injury was reported nor any lives lost.

The resiliency of the people of Chisholm became immediately evident as the town quickly regrouped and began the process of rebuilding, not only as the place they had once known, but as a stronger and better community. Along with this determination, Chisholm’s rebirth was blessed by neighboring cities immediately coming to aid with food, shelter, lumber and other much needed provisions. The contributions were astounding, and Chisholm was awed by the amount of money donated to help rebuild from throughout the entire state.

Once again, Lake Street is lined with businesses, and there are many more than the sixty-five buildings that were left after the fire. Most importantly, the people of Chisholm not only rebuilt their town, they did become the stronger community that they had been so determined to become-and went on to thrive.