The Great Chicago Fire

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Many major cities throughout the world have been subject to a mainstream fire at one point or another that has destroyed major parts of its heritage. Whilst each city is usually re-built to its former glory, it is an unfortunate event to occur in the first place.

Chicago was no different when a huge fire engulfed the city in 1871 on 9th October. Most of the city was destroyed and over 300 people lost their lives during this time. However, a major re-building regime meant that during 1871 – 1873 it would have been hard to tell the events that had occurred in Chicago during this time. Despite lives, historical buildings and homes were lost, the city bounced back and order was regained by the immense organisation the locals showed when re-building the ruined city.

Top Fact: There were many accusations as to what caused the Great Fire of Chicago and the Fire Commissions board had to investigate the cause fully and some of the accusations were unfounded but all leads had to be investigated thoroughly. The situation that occurred as a result of the fire caused many problems with everyone accusing one another and with over £192,000,000 worth of property destroyed and the lives that were lost, the thoughts of many was that someone was to blame but the truth was never found out.



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