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The Great Chicago Fire

Jim Gibbons will discuss the events that took place before, during and after The Great Chicago Fire in October of 1871 and how it impacted Chicago’s history. (In person/online)

The Anniversary of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 takes place every year from October 8-10 in remembrance of the widespread fire that erupted over Chicago. The Great Chicago Fire, is often presumed to have started accidentally when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern in the O’Leary barn on October 8, 1871 by DeKoven Street in Chicago. Approximately 300 people died in the fire, over 100,000 residents were left homeless and over three miles of the city were destroyed.

Jim Gibbons will discuss the events that took place before, during, and after The Great Chicago Fire and how it impacted Chicago’s history. Gibbons will explain the theories on how the fire began, its impact on the area and its residents, and how fire prevention and building codes were affected and updated after the fire.

Registration is required. 

You may attend this program in person at the library, or may attend virtually/online.

To register, select either "Register to Attend Online" or "Register to Attend In Person." Online attendees MUST provide a valid e-mail address.

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