Muskogee's Great Fire of 1899

February 23, 1899

The spirit of Muskogee Oklahoma pioneers was put to the test when Constance & George "Firebug" Leech moved to their area.  Fires were not unknown to this area but the residents were unprepared for what was to befall them.

Gunshots and train whistles raised the alarm but not soon enough.  Water pressure was low and a blistering wind blew the hose water away from the blaze.  Later it was reported that "some of the fire hose was cut during the fire by unknown parties."

Large portions of the city was destroyed and the city never apprehended any suspects.  Shortly after the inferno, the Leech's moved on to Seattle.