Timeline Tuesday 10 October 1871

Events on Tuesday 10 October 1871 1

• 1871 Great Chicago Fire Blaze destroys much of Chicago A fire burned through Chicago for three days, killing an estimated 300 people and destroying roughly three square miles of the city, including most of its business district. Legend blamed a cow owned by Mrs. O'Leary for kicking over a lantern, though the true cause was never established. The disaster prompted major reforms in building codes and fire prevention.