the Chicago Fire (1871)

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was a devastating blaze that destroyed much of Chicago over three days in October. It started in a barn and spread rapidly due to dry conditions, wooden buildings, and strong winds. Thousands of structures were damaged or destroyed, leaving around 100,000 residents homeless. The fire caused significant economic and infrastructural damage but also led to improvements in fire safety and city planning. Despite the destruction, Chicago quickly rebuilt, demonstrating resilience and growth following the disaster.