The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was one of the most horrifying events the United States has ever seen. It started simply: a lantern tipped over by a cow ignited a barn full of straw. In less than an hour the fire was raging and spreading throughout the kindling-like city. 1871, when America was in the middle of the Industrial Revolution was an important time for Chicago. The economy was booming, culture was growing – but there hadn’t been a lot of rain. “Chicago in 1871 was a city ready to burn” (pg.18).
All it took was one spark to send the entire city up in flames, which is exactly what happened that fateful October night. (Nearly 100,000 people were left homeless and 17,500 buildings and 73 miles of street were destroyed.) With a fire of small proportions the previous night, the firefighting crew was tired and drunk, thanks to their late-night celebrations. Without rain, the nearly all-wood buildings of Chicago were in serious danger. Without a proper firefighting crew, it seemed that fate was waiting for exactly the right time to strike the match that would send Chicago spiraling down to a fiery death.
I hope you like it and if not, tell me in comments! (It's due Thursday, so comment quickly!!) :)
That is all. :)
Poor old Mrs. O'Leary and her cow...still blamed by so many...and is that REALLY how the fire started? (According to the book you read, yes!)
ReplyDeleteYou didn't answer my question earlier -- are you and your class going to present your posters at an assembly or come-and-go-session? It would be good practice for high school and beyond; poster sessions seem to be common in some disciplines.
You write well, Clark. MMM thinks so, too! (And, yes, she knows she owes you a letter...she plans to get to that very soon!)
XX PMD
hey Clark! Nice paragraph, really well written...It's such a sad story though! Good job, it's really informative. You are looking at an A+ there.
ReplyDeleteOh. That is very good, but now I'm sad.
ReplyDelete