The Chicago Fire of 1871, also called the Great Chicago Fire, burned from October 8 to October 10, 1871, and destroyed thousands of buildings, killed an estimated 300 people and caused an estimated $200 million in damages. Legend has it that a cow kicked over a lantern in a barn and started the fire, but other theories hold that humans or even a meteor might have been responsible for the event that left an area of about four miles long and almost a mile wide of the Windy City, including its business district, in ruins. Following the blaze, reconstruction efforts began quickly and spurred great economic development and population growth.In October 1871, dry weather and an abundance of wooden buildings, streets and sidewalks made Chicago vulnerable to fire. The Great Chicago Fire began on the night of October 8, in or around a barn located on the property of Patrick and Catherine O’Leary at 137 DeKoven Street on the city’s southwest side. Legend holds that the blaze started when the family’s cow knocked over a lighted lantern; however, Catherine O’Leary denied this charge, and the true cause of the fire has never been determined. What is known is that the fire quickly grew out of control and moved rapidly north and east toward the city center.
The Chicago fire is claimed to be the most famous in American history. It killed 300 innocent people and destroyed over 17,000 buildings. Cover well over 3.5 square miles of land. The damages it created were very costly, around $200 Million worth. Many people were homeless and 1/3 of the city was left in ruins.
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(don't worry, it's not copy and pasted. I wrote it all myself)
I would assume that the author does this to show how indifferent the person in the book is, she/he doesn’t know what they are in life, this makes it relatable to readers who have had this feeling before and it shows how the character is feeling in that moment
