1865 Viroqua tornado

The 1865 Viroqua tornado moved through western Wisconsin on Thursday, June 29, 1865. With at least 22 fatalities, it was one of the first deadly tornadoes recorded in Wisconsin after it became a state 17 years prior. Although the tornado was unrated, it is believed the intensity of the damage caused was similar to the kind that is caused by a violent F4 tornado on the Fujita scale.

Synopsis
Approaching Viroqua, Wisconsin, the funnel was accompanied by a "branch whirl holding on like a parasite." Multiple vortex "branches" and "eddies" were observed as the tornado passed through the town. "Death rode upon that sulphury siroc" as "the angry elements at the beck of an invisible power lay waste the fairest portion of the village." Ten people were killed on one street. A death toll of 17 is usually given for this tornado, but according to the History of Vernon County at least 13 people were killed in Viroqua and as many as 12 others may have died later from injuries. The tornado moved at an estimated 60 mph as it approached a schoolhouse 2 miles east of Viroqua containing a teacher and 24 students. The building was lifted into the air "and dashed to ground", killing the teacher and eight students. Foot-square timbers were carried "long distances; tree tops were filled with feather beds, chairs, and clothing. All kinds of livestock were either dead or writhing on the points of broken branches; 20-ton rocks were rolled, lifted, and broken".

Notable people involved

 * William S. Purdy, who had served as state senator representing Vernon County in 1863, lost his home in the tornado. A servant girl who worked in his home was killed.  His family only survived by lying on the ground as the house was lifted from its foundation.