Did You Know?

Map of Andes, October 1886

Fire attacks the Village of Andes!

Did you know that on Wednesday, June 26, 1878, the village of Andes was the scene of a devastating conflagration that devoured two thirds of the business portion of the village? The fire caused $30,000 worth of damage. The loss in 2025 would have been over $964,000. 

The flames started in the wagon house belonging to the Union Hotel owned by Peter Crispell and standing on the premises opposite to the hotel. The fire extended in both directions from this property, completely destroying all the buildings on the north side of the street as far as Delaware Avenue to the west, and the street leading to High street on the east. No less than fifteen buildings were consumed, some of them stores, others private residences.