1899 New Richmond Tornado - Aftermath

Aftermath

All but the extreme west end of the town was obliterated by the tornado and subsequent fires. More than 500 buildings were destroyed, and the only significant surviving structures were the Catholic and Baptist churches. The town's electrical plant and water facilities were destroyed, so fires ran rampant through the scattered debris. Many bodies found in the aftermath were burnt beyond recognition—it was impossible to tell if they died from the tornado or from being trapped and burned alive.

Twenty-six families experienced multiple deaths, and six reported 4 or more deaths in the family. After order was restored, authorities determined that a total of 117 people had been killed (114 in the village) and more than 200 injured. This is the 9th highest death toll for any single tornado in American history.

The town was so completely damaged it had to be essentially rebuilt. Damage claims exceeded $300,000 ($7 million in 2006 dollars), however, it may have been as high as $600,000 ($14 million in 2006 dollars).