The Great Chicago Fire

by L.L. Owens

Overview

Describes the events when a small barn fire ignited into one of the greatest urban disasters in U.S. history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781604538076
Publisher:	ABDO Publishing
Publication date:	08/01/2010
Series:	Essential Events Set 1 Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	112
File size:	29 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

Table of Contents

The Myth of Mrs. O'Leary's Cow     6
Chicago Before the Fire     20
The Great Conflagration     30
From the Eyes of the Fire     42
Landmarks and Businesses     52
Investigating the Cause     60
Suspects and Theories     72
A City in Ruins     80
A Bright Future     88
Timeline     96
Essential Facts     100
Additional Resources     102
Glossary     104
Source Notes     106
Index     110
About the Author     112

Editorial Reviews

Part of the "Essential Events" series, Owens presents an easy to read, easy to follow look at the events that led to Chicago's 1871 fire, the fire itself, and the aftermath. The way the city was constructed, a nonworking alarm, and human error all contributed to the fire, but most residents blamed Mrs. O'Leary's cow. Much coverage is given to Mrs. O'Leary and her cow, how the Irish immigrant was most likely a scapegoat, the fact that testimony of neighbors was questionable, and the cultural legacy in story and song of the unfortunate Mrs. O'Leary. Even today, experts cannot say what, exactly, started the blaze, although the cow knocking over a lantern story is dubious. Interesting sidebars about life at the time, excerpts from testimony and letters, and photographs and period sketches all serve to make an enlightening reference book. A glossary, index, timeline, and myriad additional resources contribute to its usefulness for school reports as well as general interest. Reviewer: Kathryn Erskine

Children's Literature - Kathryn Erskine