A Letter from Chicago, October 12, 1871
Dear Aunt Clara, I am safe, though our city looks very different. On Sunday evening, October 8, a fire began in a neighborhood southwest of the city center. Chicago had gone through a dry summer. Many buildings and sidewalks were made of wood, and they stood close together. A strong wind pushed sparks from one roof to another. These conditions helped the fire spread quickly.
During Monday, October 9, the flames moved north and east. Families carried what they could and hurried toward the lake or to open ground. Firefighters worked for hours, but the fire moved faster than they could stop it. Some people crossed the Chicago River to get away from the flames. By late Monday night, much of the business district and many homes had burned.
Rain began during the night between October 9 and October 10. The rain and cooler weather helped firefighters bring the fire under control by Tuesday. Our family lost our wooden house, but we found shelter with relatives outside the burned area. Many other families also needed food, clothing, or a place to stay. About 100,000 people were left without homes, and about 300 people died.
Now Chicago must rebuild. Workers are clearing damaged streets, and businesses are planning new buildings. City leaders are also considering stricter rules for building materials and fire safety. The fire caused great loss, but the rebuilding may make the city safer in the future. I hope to write again when our neighborhood begins to take shape. Your loving niece, Elise