Madison County, NY, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Historian Matthew Urtz will release his book, ‘Historic Fires of Madison County,’ on November 11. The book explores 16 significant fires in the area, examining causes and impacts on local communities. Among the highlighted events are the burning of the Madison County Courthouse and the destruction of business districts in Canastota and Hamilton. Urtz’s dedication to historical preservation is evident in his research, which began with local presentations.
Madison County, NY – Historian Matthew Urtz is set to release his latest book, “Historic Fires of Madison County,” on November 11. The book, published by The History Press—an imprint known for its focus on local nonfiction—delves into 16 significant fires that occurred in Madison County, investigating their causes as well as the economic and psychological effects on local communities.
Urtz explores a balanced mix of historical events, with roughly half of the fires examined taking place in the 19th century and the remaining occurring in the early 20th century. These fires posed a considerable threat, devastating personal property and undermining the sense of community throughout 19th-century New York.
Among the pivotal events highlighted in the book is the mysterious burning of the Madison County Courthouse, as well as the complete destruction of business districts in Canastota and Hamilton. Additionally, the book addresses instances of arson that had far-reaching implications for Cazenovia. Noteworthy sites that suffered destruction include the Gerrit Smith Mansion in Peterboro, the Munnsville Plow Company, and Duffy-Mott in Bouckville, significantly altering the future landscape of the county.
Urtz’s journey into researching such fires initially began for local presentations, including a lecture on “The ‘Cazenovia Firebug’” held at the Cazenovia Public Library. The actual writing of the book commenced in late 2023, with the project wrapping up in spring 2024.
A point of interest in Urtz’s research is the unclear reasons behind a series of mysterious fires in Cazenovia during the late 19th century, with varying theories suggesting potential involvement from a recurring arsonist. Urtz has served as Madison County Historian since April 2010 and previously authored the 2022 book “Honoring World War Casualties of Madison County, New York,” which documents the stories of over 190 soldiers from the county who perished in the World Wars.
Urtz’s dedication to historical preservation has garnered him various accolades, including awards from the New York State Archives and Madison County Tourism. He actively collaborates with educators, genealogists, and researchers to preserve and illuminate the extensive history of Madison County. He notes the unique history encompassed within each community in Madison County as a vital part of its cultural fabric.
As a testament to the region’s historical significance, Madison County recently hosted the annual Association of Public Historians of NYS conference. Individuals interested in being notified about the book’s availability for purchase can visit arcadiapublishing.com.
FAQ
When will Matthew Urtz’s book “Historic Fires of Madison County” be released?
Historian Matthew Urtz will release his latest book, “Historic Fires of Madison County,” on November 11.
What topics does the book cover?
The book examines 16 significant fires in Madison County, exploring their causes and the economic and psychological impacts on local communities.
What are some notable fires discussed in the book?
Significant events covered include the mysterious burning of the Madison County Courthouse, the complete destruction of business districts in Canastota and Hamilton, and arson cases that affected Cazenovia.
How can individuals be notified when the book is available for purchase?
Individuals can visit arcadiapublishing.com to be notified when the book becomes available for purchase.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 11 |
| Publisher | The History Press |
| Number of Fires Examined | 16 significant fires |
| Historical Focus | Fires from the 19th and early 20th centuries |
| Notable Events | Burning of the Madison County Courthouse, destruction of Canastota and Hamilton business districts |
| Research Origin | Local presentations and lectures |
| Previous Work | “Honoring World War Casualties of Madison County, New York” |
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Additional Resources
- Riverbender: Madison County Fire Losses
- Wikipedia: Fire Prevention
- KBZK: Madison County Business Owners Thankful
- Google Search: Madison County fires
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Massive Fire Destroys Community Market
- Google Scholar: Madison County Fires
- Morgan County Citizen: Downtown Madison Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
- WSBTV: Restaurant Destroyed by Fire
- Google News: Madison County business fires
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
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