Near North Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Old Town and The Great Fire (#3)

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 28, 2011

1. Old Town and The Great Fire (#3) Marker

Inscription. On October 7, 1871, the Great Fire of Chicago started on the south side of the city and continued north. As the fire approached Old Town, the bells of St. Michael’s Church began to toll. The walls of church survived, but the interior was destroyed. The church bells melted in the intense heat. Much of the Old Town neighborhood was destroyed. As Chicago began to rebuild, wealthy families from the south and west sides of the city began moving into the area. With the neighborhood’s population and economic status changing, the area became known as North Town. (Marker Number 3.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Notable Places • Political Subdivisions. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1898.

Location. 41° 54.497′ N, 87° 38.071′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the Near North Side. It is on Wells Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1414 Wells Street, Chicago IL 60610, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Prominent Residents of Old Town (#12) (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Prominent Residents of Old Town (#2) (about 400 feet away); Old Town's Early Settlers (#11) (about 500 feet away); Western Wheel Works Factory and Dr. Scholl Footwear Factory (#4)

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(about 600 feet away); The Benjamin Franklin School (#5) (about 700 feet away); Early Businesses in Old Town (#6) (about 800 feet away); Old Town’s Entrepreneur Spirit (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Chicago Fire Department - Engine Company No. 27 (#7) (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . . The Great Chicago Fire - Wikipedia. (Submitted on September 26, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 28, 2011

2. Old Town and The Great Fire (#3) Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,156 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.