The Chicago Fire

"Mrs. O'Leary's Cow" was not the cause of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. She had a whole barn full of cattle - but none were the culprit. In 1893, reporter Michael Ahern admitted to making the whole thing up for a juicier story. Source: Chicago Cultural Center

For stories and statistics regarding the fire, visit the Chicago History Museum .

History has had many other devasting fires which can be viewed at Fire Extinguisher 101.