From October 8-10, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire swept through 3.3 square miles of the city, killing about 300 people, destroying an estimated 17,000 structures, and leaving more than 100,000 people homeless. While the breadth of destruction was massive, the Fire also proved to be a pivotal moment in the history of Chicago, which rapidly rebuilt (with stricter building codes) and saw its population grow from less than 300,000 in 1870 to more than a million by 1890 and more than 3 million in 1930. This marker series is about, or reference, the Chicago Fire of 1871.
Historien Om
[the story of]
The story of Andersonville begins as a cherry orchard In the 1850s and evolves throughout the years, adding several layers of identity: first as a Swedish settlement on the outskirts of . . . — — Map (db m235738) HM
On West Exchange Avenue east of South Peoria Street, on the left when traveling east.
The Union Stock Yard and Transit Company, Chicago's legendary livestock market and slaughterhouse, opened at this site on Christmas Day, 1865. Here, 320 acres of swampland lying between Pershing Avenue, Halsted Street, 47th Street, and Ashland . . . — — Map (db m244189) HM
On South Halsted Street north of West 41st Street, on the right when traveling north. Reported damaged.
Entrepreneurs in Historic Canaryville
The primary catalyst for the establishment of Canaryville was the opening of the Union Stock Yards and the organization of the Union Stock Yard & Transit Company in 1865. Two young entrepreneurs arrived . . . — — Map (db m244233) HM
Near West Belle Plaine Avenue near North Neenah Avenue.
An institutional cemetery was established on this site in 1854 on land that was a part of the 520-acre Cook County Poor Farm. It soon became the potter's field for the forgotten and poor of Chicago and Cook County.
Buried here are as many as . . . — — Map (db m246023) HM
Near West Belle Plaine Avenue near North Neenah Avenue.
After the Great Fire of 1871, the county set up a temporary morgue on Milwaukee Avenue. One hundred and seventeen unclaimed, unidentified victims were taken from the county morgue and interred on this site. — — Map (db m246021) HM
On North Avenue at North Dearborn Street, on the right when traveling west on North Avenue.
Chicago's early Catholic Cemetery ran from North Av. south to Schiller St., and Dearborn St. to the lake, now Astor St. Established in 1845, it existed until the 1871 Chicago Fire charred the grounds. Like the City Cemetery to the north, not all . . . — — Map (db m10665) HM
John Wellborn Root
Architect
1850-1891
John Wellborn Root's architectural designs
helped to establish Chicago as the
birthplace of modern architecture.
After the Great Fire of 1871, Root came
here from New York City to . . . — — Map (db m188509) HM
Near North Sheffield Avenue at West Waveland Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
1869
The Chicago Base Ball Association, today's Chicago Cubs, is formed in October as the city's first fully professional team. The club plays an independent schedule against professional and amateur opponents in 1870.
1871
The . . . — — Map (db m302169) HM
On North Clark Street near West La Salle Drive (Illinois Route 64), on the right when traveling north.
[Text on front side:]
Wizhgéndëmowen
The Potawatomi word for resilient (the act of having strong thoughts)
La palabra potawatomi para la resistencia (el acto de mantener pensamientos fuertes)
Chicago in Ashes, Chicago Reborn
The . . . — — Map (db m242487) HM
[Front side text:]
Zhegagoynak
Pronounced zhu-gah-goy-nak
Place of Wild Onions
For thousands of years, this place—now known as Chicago—has been a thriving center of Indigenous life. Potawatomi people lived on and took care of this . . . — — Map (db m242488) HM
On West La Salle Street at North Stockton Street, on the right when traveling east on West La Salle Street.
This stone vault is the oldest structure standing within the Chicago Fire zone. It was erected in 1858 for Ira Couch, a wealthy hotelier who died at age 50 while wintering in Cuba. Though some theories exist, there is no official answer as to why . . . — — Map (db m10664) HM
On North Fremont Street at Dickens Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North Fremont Street.
This rare grouping of twenty 1870s Italianate-style row houses was designed by Edward J. Burling, one of Chicago's earliest and important architects. They were conceived as a unified composition with similar incised window hoods and a common wood . . . — — Map (db m261200) HM
This rare grouping of twenty 1870s Italianate-style row houses was designed by Edward J. Burling, one of Chicago's earliest and important architects. They were conceived as a unified composition with similar incised window hoods and a common wood . . . — — Map (db m261207) HM
Lincoln Park, named in 1865 for the assassinated President, gradually replaced the 22 year old City Cemetery. This urban cemetery land, already desired for park grounds, was first deemed a health hazard in 1859. That same year officials began . . . — — Map (db m10659) HM
On West Dickens Street at North Sedgwick Street, on the right when traveling west on West Dickens Street.
These streets feature a cross-section of architectural styles and building types from the late-19th century, including pre-Fire of 1871 wood cottages, Italianate style rowhouses, and masonry residences designed in the Queen Anne and Richardsonian . . . — — Map (db m289975) HM
On North Sedgwick Street north of Dickens Street, on the right when traveling south.
These streets feature a cross-section of architectural styles and building types from the late-19th century, including pre-Fire of 1871 wood cottages, Italianate style rowhouses, and masonry residences designed in the Queen Anne and Richardsonian . . . — — Map (db m289988) HM
On West Fullerton Parkway at Cleveland Street on West Fullerton Parkway.
These streets feature a cross-section of architectural styles and building types from the late-19th century, including pre-Fire of 1871 wood cottages, Italianate style rowhouses, and masonry residences designed in the Queen Anne and Richardsonian . . . — — Map (db m289992) HM
On West Maxwell Street at Halsted, on the left when traveling east on West Maxwell Street.
Side One
By the 1930s, the market was thriving, attracting 50,000 people on a typical Sunday. Depression-Chicagoans were in dire need of low-priced food clothing, and other everyday household goods. Maxwell Street provided an arena for budding . . . — — Map (db m122809) HM
On State Street south of Washington Street, on the right when traveling north.
[side 1]
Chicago’s Great Street
There is only one State Street. Widely celebrated in song, “That Great Street” has been known since the 1870s for its concentration of premier department stores and world-class architecture. . . . — — Map (db m240288) HM
On North Michigan Avenue south of East Illinois Street, on the right when traveling north. Reported missing.
Chicago is America's architecture capital. Its achievements, including the Chicago School skyscraper, International Style skyscraper, and Prairie Style house are considered America's greatest contributions to the history of world . . . — — Map (db m270286) HM
On Rush Street south of East Huron Street, on the right when traveling north.
Cyrus McCormick revolutionized farming. Taking up his father’s interest in agricultural technology, he invented the horse-drawn mechanical reaper in 1831. He was 22. Three years later, he patented it, but he worked another six years to improve it . . . — — Map (db m234728) HM
On North Wells Street south of West Evergreen Street, on the right when traveling south.
Following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871,
Old Town evolved from a farming community
into a commercial area reflecting the diverse
skills and trades of the Old Town population at
the turn of the century. Some businesses of
note include: The . . . — — Map (db m188296) HM
On North Wells Street at West Goethe Street, on the right when traveling north on North Wells Street.
The architecture found today in Old Town reflects
the diverse turn-of-the-century styles, which were
introduced after the Great Chicago Fire. Chicago
cottages stand side-by-side with Victorian
brownstones boasting Italiante and Queen . . . — — Map (db m188260) HM
On North Wells Street, on the right when traveling north.
In the 1830s, the marshland of what is today
known as Old Town was settled by a group of
Roman Catholic immigrants from southern Germany.
As farmers and laborers, the settlers converted
marshland into meadows and gardens, growing
cabbage, . . . — — Map (db m188253) HM
On North Wells Street at West Evergreen Street, on the right when traveling south on North Wells Street.
The Benjamin Franklin School, located at
225 West Evergreen, is the fifth oldest school
in Chicago. The school, which today is known
as The Franklin Fine Arts Center,
originally opened in 1837 on Canal Street.
In 1856 the school was moved to . . . — — Map (db m188291) HM
On South Calumet Avenue south of East Cullerton Street, on the right when traveling south.
A rare survivor of the stately mansions built on the Near South Side prior to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, this also ranks as one of the city's best examples of Second Empire architecture. Built by banker Calvin Wheeler, it was remodeled in the . . . — — Map (db m69591) HM
On West Grace Street east of North Kostner Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
John and Phebe Gray were distinguished by their generosity and social conscience. In 1857 they donated land to build a township hall at Milwaukee and Irving Park Road. In 1888, they donated land to build St. John's Episcopal Church one block north . . . — — Map (db m309130) HM
Settled in the 1850s by German immigrants, this area was virtually destroyed by the Fire of 1871. Most of these wood cottages and brick and stone townhouses date to the last decades of the 19th century. After World War II, this area became the focus . . . — — Map (db m261187) HM
Settled in the 1850s by German immigrants, this area was virtually destroyed by the Fire of 1871. Most of these wood cottages and brick and stone townhouses date to the last decades of the 19th century. After World War II, this area became the focus . . . — — Map (db m47626) HM
On West Saint Paul Avenue west of Wells Street, on the left when traveling east.
Settled in the 1850s by German immigrants, this area was virtually destroyed by the Fire of 1871. Most of these wood cottages and brick and stone townhouses date to the last decades of the 19th century. After World War II, this area became the focus . . . — — Map (db m242471) HM
On East Erie Street at North Rush Street, on the left when traveling east on East Erie Street.
McCormick Double House
Frederick and Edward Baumann, architects
1875
This early, post-Chicago Fire, Joliet limestone-clad building was
originally built as a "double” house for Industrialist Leander
James McCormick and his son Robert . . . — — Map (db m180925) HM
On East Chicago Avenue at North Wabash Avenue, on the right when traveling west on East Chicago Avenue.
This rare surviving example of Victorian Gothic design is also one of the city's best late-19th century apartment buildings. Because early luxury apartments were viewed with skepticism, this building was designed to look like a series of four . . . — — Map (db m66612) HM
On West Walton Street west of North Dearborn Street, on the left when traveling east.
This library stands on the site
formerly occupied by the
Mahlon D. Ogden residence,
the only house in the path of
the Great Fire of 1871
which was not burned. — — Map (db m180595) HM
On South Michigan Avenue at Cullerton Aveue on South Michigan Avenue.
The seeds of the Second Presbyterian Church originated on the banks of the Chicago River under the pastoral guidance of Rev. Jeremiah Porter, in 1833. In 1835, the church was formally incorporated as the First Presbyterian Church and Society of . . . — — Map (db m267801) HM
On South Prairie Avenue near East 18th Street, on the right when traveling south.
The Prairie Avenue area has witnessed every significant period in the growth of Chicago from the establishment of Fort Dearborn through the residential rebirth of the central area in the 1990s. The years following the close of the Civil War were . . . — — Map (db m308721) HM
Considered the founders of Chicago, Catherine (1756 - 1809) and Jean Baptiste (1745 - 1818) Point du Sable established a fur trading post on this site in the 1770s or early 1780s, approximately a half century before Chicago was incorporated. This . . . — — Map (db m99739) HM
On East Chicago Avenue at North Michigan Avenue, on the left when traveling east on East Chicago Avenue.
The Chicago Water Tower was erected in 1869 and housed a 138-foot-high standpipe, three feet in diameter, which equalized pressure and controlled the water flowing through the mains throughout the City. Fortunately, the tower was solidly constructed . . . — — Map (db m81430) HM
Potter Palmer was a Chicago business magnate — well-known for a variety of endeavors, including his significant role in the development of downtown Chicago's iconic State Street. Bertha Honoré Palmer, 23 years Potter's junior, was a wealthy . . . — — Map (db m291043) HM
The Great Chicago Fire in October eighteen hundred and seventy-one devastated the city. From its ashes the people of Chicago caused a new and greater city to rise imbued with that indomitable spirit and energy by which they have ever been guided. . . . — — Map (db m79609) HM
On De Koven Street at Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling east on De Koven Street.
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 . . . — — Map (db m239712) HM
On South State Street south of West Jackson Boulevard, on the right when traveling south.
(side 1)
Chicago’s Great Street
There is only one State Street. Widely celebrated in song, “That Great Street” has been known since the 1870s for its concentration of premier department stores and world-class . . . — — Map (db m81432) HM
On State Street south of Adams Street, on the right when traveling south.
[side 1]
Chicago’s Great Street
There is only one State Street. Widely celebrated in song, “That Great Street” has been known since the 1870s for its concentration of premier department stores and world-class architecture. . . . — — Map (db m235745) HM
On Chicago Riverwalk at Jean Baptiste Point du Sable Lake Shore Drive (U.S. 41), on the right when traveling west on Chicago Riverwalk.
1869
The new water works was designed by Ellis Chesbrough. The intake crib
in the Lake supplied filtered water to the Pumping Station and the Tower.
The Water Tower, one of the only structures to survive the Chicago Fire, has . . . — — Map (db m289651) HM
On Chicago Riverwalk at Jean Baptiste Point du Sable Lake Shore Drive (U.S. 41), on the right when traveling west on Chicago Riverwalk.
The dancer Little Egypt" was a sensation at the 1893 exposition.
Completed in 1916, The Navy Pier was built as a terminal for both passenger and freight traffic.
"Chicago Day" October 9, 1893 was the 22nd anniversary of the great . . . — — Map (db m289653) HM
On North Wells Street at Washington on North Wells Street.
At the time of its construction, in the aftermath of the Fire of 1871, this was one of the city's tallest buildings. Its limestone facades feature ornate Victorian-style details; its lobby includes a unique curving hardwood staircase. Structurally, . . . — — Map (db m117493) HM
Near West Madison Street at North Carpenter Street, on the right when traveling east.
This building is a rare-surviving Italianate-style "commercial block," or commercial loft building, built when the Near West Side was undergoing rapid development immediately after the Chicago Fire of 1871. Its street façade is constructed of "Buena . . . — — Map (db m249814) HM
On West Adams Street at Des Plaines Street, on the right when traveling north on West Adams Street.
This property has been
placed on the the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
St. Patrick's Churchconstructed during the period 1852 to 1856 St. Patrick's is the oldest church building . . . — — Map (db m99770) HM
On Harvey Avenue at Madison Street on Harvey Avenue.
The mural you see to the left, was inspired by the work of Longfellow Elementary School art students in 2000.
Artist Mirtes Zwierzynski together with Longfellow School's art teacher Chris Worley, students, and PTO gathered to create an . . . — — Map (db m235458) HM
On Floral Avenue north of Oakton Street, on the left when traveling south.
Skokie's historic "Engine House" has been part of the Village landscape since construction in 1887. Many trace the origin of the building to growing
concerns about fire especially after the Great Chicago Fire swept through the nearby big city in . . . — — Map (db m242989) HM
On Oak Park Avenue south of Hickory Street, on the right when traveling south.
It is currently believed that this large, two-story brick and limestone structure was built approximately 1865 by John Lewis or his brother Allen Cleveland Lewis in the Italianate style (which was popular during the 1850s to 1880s). This house . . . — — Map (db m264044) HM
Near Winfield Road (County Route 13) near Butterfield Road ( Route 56).
This doorway was a part of the William Deering and Company factory built in 1880 in Chicago between Fullerton and Diversey avenues on the west side of the river. The property was finally disposed of in 1946.
The stone wording in this wall was . . . — — Map (db m288789) HM
Near Illinois Prairie Path - Main Stem west of North Washington Street, on the right when traveling west.
The former DuPage County Courthouse and its clock tower, built in 1896, rise just to the south of the trail. The first courthouse on this site was quickly built in 1868, after a divisive county-wide referendum supported moving the county seat . . . — — Map (db m256811) HM
On Spring Creek Road at Meadow Hill Road, on the right when traveling east on Spring Creek Road.
This former school, now a residence, and cemetery were named for the David Haeger family, from Germany, who settled in this part of McHenry County. This area was the boyhood home of David Henry Haeger, the eldest son of the Haeger children, who . . . — — Map (db m65892) HM
The Bloomington Fire Department was established by City Council ordinance on December 27, 1855 as a result of a devastating fire that destroyed much of a downtown city block. The city's first fire apparatus - a hand pumper known as Prairie Bird - . . . — — Map (db m163422) HM
On Market Street 0.1 miles north of Duclos Street, on the right when traveling north.
Abraham Lee, after winning the Opera House lottery, built the mansion on these grounds. A. H. Lee died two years after the completion of this magnificent home. Lee's business partner, F. W. Brickey, bought the home and since that time it has been . . . — — Map (db m206015) HM
Jobs Drew Workers from Afar
The 1880s was a time of plenty. Jobs opened up for local residents as the economy recovered from the Chicago fire and a national depression.
Creating iron and steel takes skilled machinists, laborers and . . . — — Map (db m158089) HM
Near Collins Street (Illinois Route 171) at Woodruff Road, on the left when traveling north.
The Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet (1858-2002) is synonymous with the City of Joliet, incorporated only six years prior to the Prison in 1852. Through the years, it has been known as Joliet Correctional Center, Collins Street Prison, the . . . — — Map (db m270418) HM
Near S. St. Louis Boulevard south of E. Jefferson Boulevard, on the right when traveling south.
South Bend’s Oldest Park
Howard is South Bend’s first and oldest park. The ground was named in honor of Judge Timothy Howard (1837-1916), who had a long and varied career in state and local politics. He served as a city council . . . — — Map (db m77470) HM
Escanaba River: The Legend
This is the land of the Chippewa Indians and the legendary Hiawatha. Indian villages existed along the banks of the river, and Indians were living here when the first white men came to this region in the 1600's. . . . — — Map (db m139220) HM
On Wacouta Street at 5th Street E. on Wacouta Street.
From this site at the turn of the twentieth century, one could inventory the wholesaling and manufacturing businesses that were the lifeblood of Lowertown. Dry goods wholesalers, shoe manufactures, and makers of fur clothing chose a Lowertown . . . — — Map (db m241220) HM
Near North Buffalo Bill Avenue 0.8 miles north of Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30), on the right when traveling north.
This log, two-story, cedar log structure was built in 1868 or 1869 by Mr. E.E. Ericsson. Each log is shaped and interlocked with the next with a minimal use of square nails. Mr. Ericsson was born in Varmland, Sweden on July 1st, 1835. He arrived . . . — — Map (db m191768) HM
On Ceylon Road (Ohio Route 61) 0.5 miles south of Deehr Road, on the right when traveling north.
From the 1860s to about 1900, tons of quality sandstone were quarried from the high sandstone ridge that runs through Edison Woods. The deeper sandstone here occurs in unbroken beds without seams. Steam engines allowed the quarrying and shipping of . . . — — Map (db m262296) HM
On Main Street at High Street, on the left when traveling south on Main Street.
A post office was established at Muncy, April 1, 1800. Henry Shoemaker was postmaster.
Muncy's current Post Office, built by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) during the Great Depression, was completed in 1938. The lobby contains . . . — — Map (db m200186) HM
On Main Street (Wisconsin Route 50) at Cook Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street.
A History of Lake Geneva
The Geneva Lake area has been inhabited since at least 8000 B.C., beginning with Paleo-Indians and later the Oneota culture followed by the Potawatomi Indians. The first recorded explorers included Col. John Kinzie in . . . — — Map (db m241381) HM
On Gerrard Street East 0.1 kilometers east of Church Street, on the right when traveling west.
This building was originally designed by architect Matthew Sheard for the Ontario College of Pharmacy. Sheard was a prominent local architect with ties to the medical and political realms.
He was known primarily for his work in Chicago after the . . . — — Map (db m259887) HM
