Introduction
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 is one of the most devastating fires in American history. It destroyed thousands of homes, buildings, and claimed hundreds of lives. The cause of the fire has been a subject of debate for years. Some say it was caused by a meteor shower, while others believe it was caused by a group of men who were gambling and accidentally knocked over a lantern. However, the most popular theory is that the fire was started by Mrs O Leary's cow. In this article, we will explore the story behind the cow and how it became the most infamous animal in history.
Who was Mrs O Leary?
Catherine O'Leary was a poor Irish immigrant who lived in Chicago with her husband and five children. She owned a cow, which she kept in a small shed in the backyard. Mrs O Leary was known to be a hardworking woman who sold milk to her neighbors to support her family.
The Night of the Fire
On the night of October 8, 1871, a fire broke out in the O Leary's barn. The fire quickly spread to the nearby buildings and homes, and it was soon out of control. The fire department was called, but they were unable to contain the fire.
The Blame Game
As news of the fire spread, rumors began to circulate about how it started. Some blamed a group of men who were gambling in the barn, while others blamed a meteor shower. However, the most popular theory was that the fire was started by Mrs O Leary's cow.
The Legend of the Cow
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The legend of the cow soon spread throughout Chicago and the rest of the country. According to the legend, Mrs O Leary's cow kicked over a lantern while she was milking it, which started the fire. The story was quickly picked up by the newspapers and became front-page news.
The Truth Behind the Legend
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However, the truth behind the legend is not so clear cut. While it is true that the fire started in the O Leary's barn, there is no evidence to suggest that the cow was the cause of the fire. In fact, the Chicago Fire Department conducted an investigation into the cause of the fire and found no evidence to support the cow theory.
The Aftermath
The Great Chicago Fire burned for two days and destroyed over 17,000 buildings. It left more than 100,000 people homeless and claimed the lives of at least 300 people. The city was left in ruins, and it took years to rebuild.
The Legacy of Mrs O Leary's Cow
Despite the lack of evidence, the legend of Mrs O Leary's cow has persisted over the years. It has become a symbol of the Great Chicago Fire and has been immortalized in books, movies, and television shows. In fact, the cow has become so famous that a statue was erected in its honor in 1961.
Conclusion
The story of Mrs O Leary's cow is one of the most enduring legends in American history. While it may never be known for sure whether the cow was the cause of the Great Chicago Fire, it has become a part of the city's folklore. Today, the cow is a reminder of the tragedy that occurred over 150 years ago and the resilience of the people of Chicago.