Great Chicago Fire

The Great Chicago Fire is one of America�۪s most deadly uncontrolled blazes and was one of the 19th centuries worst disasters.��Beginning with a blaze reported at approximately 9:00 pm on Sunday, October 8, 1871, the inferno continued sweeping through the Windy City until October 10, 1871.��The fire devastated human life and caused enormous property damage as Chicago had seen enormous growth in the years preceding the fire.��The spirit of Chicago was not quenched with the putting out of the fire as many businesses resumed operations within days of the fire.��Building was quick and the resiliency the people of Chicago showed was a testament to the strength and endurance of the human spirit.

Origin of the Great Chicago Fire

Great Fire

The exact origin of the Great Chicago Fire remains unknown to this day and urban legend has pointed to many possible contributing factors.��It is unknown whether the fire was started due to an accident, a floating spark or ember carried in the wind, or as a result of arson set by human hands.��An inquiry was underway to determine the cause of the fire, but it never yielded conclusive results.��It has been confirmed that the fire started in the barn of Kate O�۪Leary and her husband Patrick, located behind 137 DeKoven Street which was renamed to 558 West DeKoven in Chicago.��The couple owned a barn with five cows.��There were reports that Mrs. O�۪Leary stated she was in the barn when one of her cows accidentally kicked over a lantern, setting hay and coal ablaze and starting the conflagration.��That theory was never proved; however, many believe that it was the cow that was responsible for the three-day inferno.

Though some locals stated that Mrs. O�۪Leary had cast blame on the cow, during an inquiry, Mrs. O�۪Leary stated under oath that she was in bed during the time the fire occurred.��As many believed that Mrs. O�۪Leary�۪s cow was the culprit, a reporter for the Chicago Republican later confessed that he and two fellow writers created the story as they felt it would be an entertaining tale and provide for good copy.��Other possible causes and suggestions for the blaze have been attributed to delinquent boys smoking in the O�۪Leary�۪s barn, spontaneous combustion and even the possibility that a meteorite struck the barn from the skies.��There is no proof that any of the theories suggested over the years actually contributed to the origin of the Great Chicago Fire and it is believed that it will remain one of America�۪s unsolved mysteries.

Spread of the Great Chicago Fire

It has been reported that when the Great Chicago Fire started, residents were not in fear and did not realize how severe and devastating the fire would become.��A severe drought in the area combined with an abundant use of wood as a primary building material have been attributed to the fast and prolonged spread of the fire.��As the fire began to spread from its originating barn on the O�۪Leary�۪s property, it blazed its way through neighborhoods and eventually destroyed the homes of both the rich and poor and leveled businesses.��After the fire, nearly 100,000 were left homeless and approximately 300 were dead.

Burning City

There were also reports that firefighters had put out a fire the day prior and by the time the three-day inferno hit, they were exhausted.��Combining the firefighters exhaustion with the fast rate in which the fire was spreading, contributed to the vast devastation.��The fire was finally extinguished due to rain and not in credit to any human effort.��Other factors that have attributed to the fast spread of the conflagration include the speed in which Chicago developed following the Civil War and that Chicago was a railroad hub during the 1800s.��These contributed to Chicago�۪s growth of a city, causing it to become populous and with many buildings during the time of the fire.

The Great Chicago Fire Aftermath

Thankfully, rain put the fire out on October 10, 1871, however what was left behind in the smoldering remains was heartbreaking.��It was determined that the fire burned more than 2,000 acres of land, 73 miles of roads, and caused approximately $222 million in property damages.��Those who began with wealth and had money stored in banks rebuilt quicker than those who were poor.��Still, the city rebound and though the death toll was between 200 and 300, later fires would put that estimation into perspective and it was soon recognized that the loss of life in a fire so great was lowered than what it could have been.

What has captivated the minds of many, however, is not how much damage the fire caused as it did outweigh any disaster by fire known in the United States at the time, but rather how quickly the city of Chicago rebuilt and recovered.��The fire also sparked reforms from insurance companies with Arthur Charles Ducat, Sr. taking the helm.��Mr. Ducat devoted many years of his life to fire prevention and safety and by the time of his death in 1896, had authored a reference on fire safety and prevention.��Ironically, the O�۪Leary home, along with the church and congregation they attended, were saved from the fire as a shift in wind direction took the blaze away from their home.

 

Recovering from the Devastation

Charitable gifts from nationwide contributed to the fast regrowth as many who heard about the tragedy sent money, food, clothing and other items that would help the city of Chicago recover and rebuild.��New buildings prided themselves on being fire proof and some fortunate businesses resumed operations in just days.��The Great Chicago Fire continues to fascinate many with the mystery that surrounds it, as well as the testament the fire holds to the human spirit and ability to recover from tragedy to greatness.

 

For Further Info on the Great Chicago Fire:

Chicago Fire of 1871