In 1871, Chicago was a rapidly growing city made mostly of wooden buildings. The summer had been very dry with little rain. On October 8, 1871, a small fire started near the O'Leary barn on the southwest side of Chicago.

Strong winds quickly spread the fire throughout the city. The wooden buildings burned easily because they were so dry. Firefighters were already tired from fighting another fire the day before. The fire burned for three days straight.

By October 10, 1871, the fire was finally put out. The Great Chicago Fire had destroyed over 17,000 buildings and left 300 people dead. About 100,000 people lost their homes. However, the city rebuilt quickly with brick and stone buildings, making Chicago safer and stronger than before.

Timeline:

Summer 1871: _________________________________________________

October 8, 1871: _____________________________________________

October 8-10, 1871: __________________________________________

October 10, 1871: ____________________________________________

After the fire: _______________________________________________