The Chicago Fire

In the state of Illinois on October 8, 1871, one of the most infamous events in the city of Chicago’s history began: the Chicago Fire. The Chicago Fire of 1871 had such an enormous impact on the city that one of the four stars on the city’s official flag stands for this event.

No one is certain what caused the fire, which burned for several days. Most historians believe the fire started in a barn owned by a Mrs. O’Leary. It is thought that perhaps a cow may have started the spark that led to the burning of Chicago by kicking over a lantern located in the barn. Regardless of the source, the damage from the fire was widespread. Fire destroyed four square miles of the city and cost more than 300 people their lives. Another 100,000 people lost their homes.

The determination of the citizens of Chicago to rebuild eventually saved their beloved city. Within four years, the people had rebuilt much of what was destroyed by the fire. Today, the city has overcome its bleak past, but no one will ever forget the disaster of 1871.