Building the Cappon Home After the Fire of 1871

The Cappon House was built in 1874, just three years after a massive fire burned two thirds of the city. Several other fires blazed across the Midwest that same October night and is referred to as the “Night America Burned.” This was due to a wind cyclone and extremely dry conditions, meaning any little spark had the potential to cause a blaze. Isaac Cappon’s first home, his church, and his business burned down in the fire.

To learn more about the fire of 1871, please visit the Holland Fire Walk Virtual Tour.

Fire destruction