THE CHRONICLE, Scottsburg, Indiana, Thursday, March 21, 1901.

 

MEMPHIS IN ASHES
 

Most of the Town Destroyed
 

Monday afternoon the town of Memphis, fifteen miles south of this place was almost wiped 
out by fire.  

About four o’clock fire originated in the southern part of town and a heavy wind drove the 
flames northward sweeping everything before it.  The main part of the town was built along 
both sides of the railroad and the flames quickly destroyed most of these buildings, which 
included all the business houses of the town.  In all about 58 houses were destroyed with a 
loss estimated at between $75,000 and $100,000, with perhaps an insurance of one third.  
About 300 people were rendered homeless. 

The result at Memphis should be taken by the people of Scottsburg as a warning to take 
steps at once to protect the town from a like experience.