Historic Fires of Madison County

Fires were a scourge in nineteenth-century New York, destroying personal property, prominent buildings and, in many cases, a sense of community. In Madison County, fires changed the community, included the mysterious burning of the Madison County Courthouse, the complete loss of business districts in both Canastota and Hamilton and the arsonist who terrorized Cazenovia for nearly five years. Fires destroyed the historic Gerrit Smith Mansion in Peterboro, the Munnsville Plow Company and Duffy-Mott in Bouckville, drastically affecting the future of the county. Madison County historian Matthew Urtz examines the fires, their causes and the economic and psychological impact they had on this peaceful community.

Matthew Urtz is the historian for Madison County, New York, with a deep passion for preserving and sharing the region’s rich history. A dedicated historian, Urtz has authored the book World War Casualties of Madison County, New York, which sheds light on the local impact of global events. His contributions to historical preservation have earned him recognition, including awards from the New York State Archives and Madison County Tourism. Urtz actively collaborates with educators, genealogists and researchers, helping to uncover and preserve the stories that make Madison County’s history unique.