| How the fire exactly began is still unknown, but Mrs. O'Leary's cow often gets the credit. The most popular and enduring legend maintains that the fire began in the O'Leary barn, as Mrs. O’Leary was milking her cow. The cow kicked over a lantern, setting fire to the barn. This story was circulating in Chicago even before the flames had died out, and it was noted in the Chicago Tribune's first post-fire issue. In 1893 the reporter retracted the "cow-and-lantern" story, but even his confession was unable to put the legend to rest. At least 300 people were dead, and 100,000 people were homeless. The fire was one of the most spectacular events of the nineteenth century, and it is recognized as a major milestone in the city's history. |
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