On this day in 1879, the Great Deadwood Fire began. In 1879, the majority of buildings were wood-frame structures. The fire was said to have started by a fallen oil lamp, and spread rapidly. Gunpowder caused explosions and high winds fed the fire through town. Much of Deadwood was destroyed by the Great Fire, but citizens rebuilt (with brick and stone this time) and the town of Deadwood persevered!