The Great Chicago Fire

In Chicago, everything is labeled either pre- or post-fire. The great fire of 1871 was a defining moment in the city's history. It is also subject of some questionable myths: a cow started it, the fire service was outdated, building a fireproof city began the next day. On this bus tour, we will visit the sites of the great Chicago fire from its origin on the west side to its burning itself out on the north, examine the role that the built environment played in its spread, and learn about tis impact on Chicago's subsequent growth.