The Great Chicago Fire

Disaster: City catches fire
Date: Oct. 8-10, 1871
Deaths: Over 300
Buildings destroyed: 17,450
Homeless: Over 100,000
Photo from: http://history.howstuffworks.com/american-history/history-of-illinois3.htm



The Chicago fire is considered to be the worst fire in America's history. Beginning on the west side in a barn, the blaze quickly grew out of control. On the night of Oct. 8 people ran for their lives as the city lit up the night sky. Many buildings where made of wood and therefore consumed by the fire. Even brick buildings were affected by the fire because they exploded with flames. About a third of the city burned to the ground. Nearly 3.5 square miles lost.

The fire did not stop until it rained on Oct. 10. In addition, empty lots (that had not yet been built on)and a lake that was near by, prevented the fire from spreading further. Not long after, the process of cleaning up began.The aftermath was devastating. More than 300 people dead, 17,450 buildings destroyed and over 100,000 homeless. Also $200 million dollars in damage.

The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, but history.com tells of a unlikely rumor that a cow started it. (Maybe the cow knocked over a lamp?) Other ideas have surfaced like a drunken neighbor or vandals, but nobody knows what happened in the barn.

Fires in the past were not uncommon. In fact they were frequent. The reason why the fire of Oct 8, 1871 is famous is because it nearly took out the city.

For more info visit http://www.history.com/topics/great-chicago-fire