The Destruction of the 1871 Chicago Fire Captured in Photographs

More than 17,000 buildings were destroyed in this disaster.

These photographs document the widespread destruction and many of them were later sold as stereoscope cards to be sold to the general public. In photos this catastrophe can be seen from a more objective view than in paintings or etchings, which was how many people of the era saw the event since photo reproduction was in its infancy.

The Great Fire left 90,000 people homeless, 300 dead, and caused more than $200M in damages after jumping the river twice in an unstoppable blaze that lasted for two days.

East corner of Washington and LaSalle streets. Via/ NYPL Digital
Building of the Republic Insurance Co., LaSalle Street. Via/ NYPL
New England and Unity Churches, looking north on Dearborn Street. Via/ NYPL
Chicago Tribune building. Via/ CARLI
Interior view of New England Church. Via/ NYPL
Rush Medical College after the fire. Via/ Library of Congress
Court House, seen through ruins of east side of Clark Street. Via/ NYPL
Honore block. Via/ CARLI
The American Express office at the corner of Dearborn & Lake Streets. Via/ NYPL
Merchants Insurance building. Via/ NYPL

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