Chicago is a city that’s no stranger to history. Known for its stunning skyline, cultural landmarks, and deep-dish pizza, it’s a place with a rich and deep culture and lots of great food. Located in the heart of the city, Pequod’s Pizza offers more than just our legendary award-winning deep-dish pizza; our building also sits in the historic Lincoln Park neighborhood. One significant part of the local history was the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, a disaster that has reshaped the city and its people.
If you’re planning a trip to Chicago or are in the area, learn more about this monumental historic event and discover why Pequod’s is the perfect stop on your journey to discover this iconic city.
How Did the Great Chicago Fire Start?
The Great Chicago Fire ignited on the evening of Oct. 8, 1871, in a small barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O’Leary, located on the city’s southwest side at 137 W. DeKoven Street. There have been many guesses as to how the fire started, including a thief knocking over a lantern while stealing milk from the barn or a meteor shower igniting hay in the barn. However, the true cause remains unknown, and many historians believe other factors played a role.
At the time, Chicago was a rapidly growing city with wooden buildings, sidewalks, and even streets. There had also been a long drought, and strong winds from the southwest fed the flames. The resulting convection spirals and burning debris caused more buildings to burn, allowing the fire to spread quickly and uncontrollably. By the time it was discovered, Chicago’s great fire had already gained unstoppable momentum.
The disaster wasn’t just a product of bad luck. During that time, outdated technology was also to blame. Buildings only had a single layer of fireproof material on the outside with a main wooden structure inside, providing only minimal fire resistance. The city also had limited firefighting resources, adding extra vulnerability on top of its underlying architecture and environmental conditions. These factors led to the inevitable destruction caused by the fire.
How Many People Died in the Great Chicago Fire?
While only 120 bodies were recovered, it’s believed that the Great Chicago Fire claimed the lives of approximately 300 people, though some estimates suggest the toll could be higher. Beyond the tragic loss of life, the fire left over 100,000 residents homeless, which was nearly a third of the city’s population at the time.
Families were forced to flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to ashes, and the survivors found themselves navigating a landscape of charred ruins and despair.
The fire also exposed stark inequalities in Chicago. While wealthier residents often had the means to recover and rebuild, the city’s working class and immigrant populations bore the brunt of the disaster. The fire didn’t just destroy buildings, it upended lives and tested the resilience of Chicago’s diverse communities.
How Long Did the Great Chicago Fire Last?
The Great Chicago Fire raged for one and a half days, from the evening of Oct. 8 until the early hours of Oct. 10, 1871. Fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, the fire rapidly spread north and east, eventually consuming an area over 4 miles long and 1 mile wide. The flames caused a lot of structural damage, burning down homes, businesses and iconic landmarks. By the time the fire burned out, it had destroyed over 17,500 buildings and 73 miles of street, resulting in an estimated $222 million in damages, which was an astronomical sum at the time.
The fire finally ceased after a combination of factors slowed its progress. A shift in the wind helped prevent further spread, and rainfall on Oct. 10 provided much-needed relief to exhausted firefighters and residents.
The Impact of the Great Chicago Fire
The aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire was both devastating and transformative. For the citizens of Chicago, the fire marked the beginning of a long journey of rebuilding and renewal. Despite the loss, the tragedy became a catalyst for change, reshaping the city’s architecture, infrastructure, and spirit.
Thankfully, while the fire destroyed the business district in Chicago, the stockyards processing meat were untouched, and the wharfs, lumberyards and mills along the Chicago River were largely undamaged. Industries surrounding trade and agriculture also helped to keep the city’s finances stable, helping to provide jobs to many during that time.
The disaster spurred community resilience and civic pride. Residents rallied to rebuild their neighborhoods, and Chicago quickly regained its status as an industry and commerce hub. About two decades later, the city hosted the World’s Columbian Exposition, showcasing its recovery transformation on a global stage.
The Rebuilding of Chicago
In the years following the fire, Chicago underwent a massive reconstruction effort. The city adopted stricter building codes to reduce fire risks, including the use of fire-resistant materials such as brick, stone, limestone, terra cotta, and marble. The aftermath of the fire also saw the rise of innovative architectural designs, eventually turning Chicago into one of the most fireproof cities in the nation.
Today, the legacy of the Great Chicago Fire lives on as a huge part of the city’s history. Walking through the streets of Chicago, you can see monuments and historical markers commemorating the event, giving you a glimpse into the past. In 1956, the Chicago Fire Academy was built where the barn, the source of the fire, once was. Today, the school trains new firefighters to prevent a similar disaster from happening again.
Visit Pequod’s on Your Trip to Chicago
Chicago has risen from the ashes to become a global icon. While you’re in the area exploring the landmarks and stories of this city, drop by Pequod’s to indulge in one of Chicago’s most renowned culinary treasures: pizza. Famous for our caramelized crust and deep-dish pies, we’re located right in the heart of Chicago and are a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re touring historical sites or soaking up the city’s scenery, come by Pequod’s or reserve a table with us for a slice of history and our pizza, or order online for takeaway or delivery today.
Photo by Fineas Anton on Unsplash