11 Buildings that Survived the Fire

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Explore some of the buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire. (6m 5s)

The Aftermath of the Fire

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After rain helps to extinguish the flames, Chicagoans take in the destruction. (3m 50s)

A Blaze Out of Control

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The Great Chicago Fire quickly burns out of control. (3m 14s)

Chicagoans Fight the Flames

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Chicagoans do what they can to save their homes, their possessions, and their lives. (7m 47s)

Chicago's Fatal Flaws

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Chicago’s rapid growth is part of what made it so vulnerable to fire. (2m 37s)

A City of Have and Have Nots

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There was a stark contrast between how Chicago’s wealthy and its working poor lived. (6m 43s)

The Fire Begins

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The Great Chicago Fire begins in Catherine O’Leary’s barn. (4m 52s)

Fleeing the Flames

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After hours of battling the fire, many Chicagoans see that there is no hope. (5m 11s)

The Great Chicago Fire: Introduction by Sandra Cordova Micek

Sandra Cordova Micek provides an introduction to The Great Chicago Fire. (1m 27s)

Investigating the Cause of the Fire

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An official inquiry finds that Catherine O’Leary was not at fault for the fire. (4m 14s)

The Myth of Mrs. O'Leary

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The myth of Catherine O’Leary and her cow becomes widespread. (7m 28s)

Rebuilding the City

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After the Great Chicago Fire, the city quickly rebuilds. (7m 3s)