What Was the Children’s Blizzard of 1888? book cover
  • Disasters
  • Events
  • US History

What Was the Children’s Blizzard of 1888?

Which of these facts are true? 
An unexpected blizzard struck the midwestern United States on January 12, 1888
Teacher Minnie Freeman led thirteen of her students through the storm to safety
Between 250 and 500 people died as a result of the extreme weather


Learn about the deadly and unexpected blizzard that slammed the Midwestern United States in 1888 and doomed many young lives in this addition to the New York Times Bestselling What Was? series.

On January 12, 1888, a surprise blizzard broke out in the middle of the day across the Midwest. In its path, hundreds of children and teachers found themselves stranded inside schoolhouses with no food, no heat, and very few options. Days passed, and over 235 people died as result of the harsh snow of the Schoolhouse Blizzard, but many were able to survive thanks to the bravery of others in their communities. Learn all about the disastrous weather conditions and the people who were affected by it in this book for young readers.

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