February 9, 1870: U.S. Weather Bureau

On February 9, 1870, the United States Weather Bureau was established.

What would the Weather Channel do without it.

Of particular interest to me as I have just finished reading "Firestorm in Peshtigo" which took place on October 8, 1871, in Wisconson, just a short time later.  This was the worst fire in U.S. history both in size and scope, but as well as in number of victims.

And, as a weather event, had the Weather Bureau been further along in its development, might it have been able to warn the people to evacuate?

Sadly, it is almost always overlooked because of the Great Chicago Fire which took place on the same day.

--Cooter