October 8, 1871 The Chicago Fire

Overview “The summer of 1871 was very dry, leaving the ground parched and the wooden city vulnerable. On Sunday evening, Oct. 8, just after 9pm, a fire broke out in the barn behind the home of Patrick and Catherine O’Leary at 13 DeKoven St. How the fire started is still unknown today, but an O’Leary cow often gets the credit. The firefighters, exhausted from fighting a large fire the day before, were first sent to the wrong neighborhood. When they finally arrived at the O’Leary’s, they found the fire raging out of control. The blaze quickly spread east and north. Wooden houses, commercial and industrial buildings, and private mansions were all consumed in the blaze. After two days, rain began to fall. On the morning of Oct. 10, the fire died out, leaving complete devastations in the heart of the city. At least 300 people were dead, 100,000 people were homeless, and $200,000 million worth of property was destroyed. The entire central business district of Chicago was leveled. The fire was one of the most spectacular events of the 19th C, and it is recognized as a major milestone in the city’s history” (Keller)

Chicago Burns The Path Through the City Click on this PBS link to watch a timeline of the fire. Click on the “Chicago on Fire” link. When the the link opens, there will be a map with a timeline on the right, under the clock. There will also be numbers that appear on each map. Click on each number to read information that is provided. Then resume moving through the timeline.

Where it all began… “There were actually two small cottages on the O’Leary property. The house fronting DeKoven Street was rented to the McLaughlin family. The O’Learys lived in the rear building.” (Keller) Strangly enough, the O’Learys home and a few other surrounding homes survived the fire. “The O’Learys sold their property in 1879 to Anton Kolar and his wife. They tore down these buildings and build a two-story house on the land. The house was eventually demolished in 1955.” (Keller) In an ironic twist of fate, the Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy, part of the Chicago Police and Fire Academy, now stands on the O’Leary property. A plaque marks the actual location of the O’Leary barn.

How did the fire start? Late one night When we were all in bed Old Mother Leary Left a lantern in the shed. And when the cow kicked it over, She winked her eye and said, "There'll be a hot time In the old town, tonight".  This song was originally posted at: http://bussongs.com/songs/hot-time-in-the-old-town-tonight.php

How was it possible? Watch this video from The Weather Channel to learn how this event turned into such a horrific catastrophe.

The Investigation Go back to the Illinois History page on my Wiki page and read each of the following documents. Answer the questions on your handout as you work through each document. Daniel “Peg-Leg” Sullivan Dennis Regan—The Accomplice Exonerating Mrs. O’Leary Mrs. O’Leary Testimony Also read the handout, “Col. Mustard with a Bic?” and answer the questions. Come back to the PPT once you have read each report.

Or was it otherworldly??? http://meteorite- identification.com/mwn ews/08232004.htm

Chicago Burns

The Judgement What do you think? Who or what was responsible for The Great Chicago Fire? On my Illinois History Wiki page, you will find an essay prompt and an essay organizer. Download both documents, and, using your notes and the material you’ve read, develop an essay in which you put forth your argument about the fire. Your essay will be due the day after tomorrow.

Keller. Much of the material in this presentation is from Mr Keller. Much of the material in this presentation is from Mr. Keller’s Google Docs PPT presentation at https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1rioLVdu_fjOn5EDuNfTY PHdCXtdTb6zgO6T982ZDXN8/edit#slide=id.p