09/02/2026
On September 2, 1891, a fire swept through the heart of The Dalles. By the time it was over, nearly a third of the city was ash. More than 1,000 people lost their homes, and losses were estimated at nearly $1 million, roughly $382 million today. (Source: Los Angeles Herald, Sept. 4, 1891)
A map published shortly after the disaster shows the fire consumed 17 blocks, covering much of what is now downtown The Dalles, including areas around today's Court, Washington, Federal, Laughlin, Jefferson, Union, and Madison streets. (Source: The Dalles Weekly Chronicle, Sept. 11, 1891)
If you've visited the National Neon Sign Museum, Petite Provence, Lilo's, Zim's Sports Bar & Grill, or explored downtown along 2nd and 3rd Streets, you've likely stood within the footprint of the Great Fire.
Among the buildings lost was E.P. Fitzgerald's store at the corner of Federal and 2nd Streets. Two lives were claimed there: Michael Dimon and Joseph P. Fitzgerald, E.P. Fitzgerald's son. Lulu Crandall wrote that Dimon was seen on the roof with a hose, trying to save his friend's property from the flames. Joseph suffered severe burns while escaping the building and later died from his injuries. (Sources: Oregon Historical Quarterly; Find a Grave; Los Angeles Herald, Sept. 4, 1891)
The story of the Great Fire is also one of resilience. As the flames subsided, Mayor Robert Mays placed the city under martial law to prevent looting and maintain order. By the following morning, conditions had stabilized enough for the order to be lifted and a relief committee established to assist those who were homeless. Citizens quickly organized donations and aid for their neighbors. (Sources: The Dalles Weekly Chronicle, Sept. 11, 1891; Los Angeles Herald, Sept. 4, 1891)
This was not the only devastating fire in The Dalles. Several major fires damaged downtown over the years, including two that destroyed the famous Umatilla House, the second occurring only months after it had been rebuilt.
Today, we remember not only the devastation of the Great Fire, but also the resilience of the people who rebuilt The Dalles and shaped the community we know today.
Source: Los Angeles Herald, Sept. 4, 1891
Sources: The Dalles Weekly Chronicle, Sept. 11, 1891
Source: Oregon Historical Quarterly
Source: Find a Grave
