Skip to main content

How did Chicago rebuild itself after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871? With fireproof material, that’s how.

The Great Chicago Fire started in a small barn on the city's near south side and grew into an uncontrollable blaze that burned for 36 hours. The post-fire rebirth of the city created the foundation for the Chicago we know today. The Rookery was one of the early terra cotta-clad and fireproof buildings constructed after the fire. It stands as a marker of Chicago’s enterprising spirit.

Watch the video to learn more about the Rookery’s connection to the fire.