Burnt District
In October 1871, dry weather and an abundance of wooden buildings, streets and sidewalks made Chicago vulnerable to fire. The Great Chicago Fire began on the night of October 8, in or around a barn located on the property of Patrick and Catherine O’Leary at 137 DeKoven Street on the city’s southwest side. In its aftermath, 300 people lost their lives, 3.3 square miles of city was destroyed, and 100,000 residents were left homeless.
