The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Site of the Origin of the Chicago Fire of 1871
Chicago Landmark
Photographed By Craig Baker
1. Chicago Fire Marker
The great Chicago fire began October 8, 1871, in the O'Leary barn on De Koven Street. Fanned by a strong wind, in a city largely built of wood structures, the blaze raged for nearly 30 hours. Flames spread as far north as Fullerton Avenue before finally dying out in the early morning rain, Tuesday, October 10. Almost everything in the path of the fire had been destroyed.
original marker:
Mrs. O'Leary's Home.
On this site stood home and barn of Mrs. O'Leary where the Chicago Fire of 1871 started. Although there are many versions of the story of its origin the real cause of the fire has never been determined.
Erected by Chicago's Charter Jubilee, authenticated by Chicago Historical Society, 1937.
Erected 1971 by City Council of Chicago; and Commission on Chicago Historical and Architectural Landmarks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is October 8, 1871.
Location. 41° 52.152′ N, 87° 38.52′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. Marker is at the intersection of De Koven Street and Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling east on De Koven Street. Located at the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Paul Muni (approx. ¼ mile away); Juvenile Court of Cook County Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jane Addams' Hull-House and Dining Hall (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jane Addams' Hull House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Maxwell Street (approx. 0.4 miles away); Rowe Building (approx. 0.7 miles away); Brooks Building (approx. 0.7 miles away); St. Patrick's Church (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Also see . . . Summary of Information, Marker Dedication, 1971.
…in 1937, Chicago observed the 100th anniversary of its incorporation as a city. At that time, the Charter Jubilee Committee was formed to work in conjunction with the Chicago Historical Society to declare historical sites in honor of the city's anniversary. It placed a marker on the [O'Leary] house…(Submitted on January 20, 2024.)
Photographed By Craig Baker
2. Original Marker - 1937
This plaque is now on display inside the Fire Academy.
Photographed By Craig Baker
3. Chicago Fire Marker
The marker lays flat near the base of the sculpture.
Photographed By Craig Baker
4. Interpretive Sign
Located inside the Fire Academy
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 88 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 20, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
