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Today in History: Stampede at Michigan Christmas Party Claims 73 Lives

12/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 24, 1913, the Italian Hall disaster occurred in Calumet, Michigan, when a false shout of "fire" triggered a deadly stampede during a Christmas party. Seventy-three people, primarily striking mine workers and their families, were crushed to death in the chaos, marking one of the worst tragedies in the region's history.

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Story summary

On December 24, 1913, the Italian Hall disaster occurred in Calumet, Michigan, when a false shout of "fire" triggered a deadly stampede during a Christmas party. Seventy-three people, primarily striking mine workers and their families, were crushed to death in the chaos, marking one of the worst tragedies in the region's history.