October 8 - The Great Chicago Fire

Labor History in 2:00 · Oct 8, 2026 · 1m

On this day in Labor History the year was 1871.

That was the day that the Great Chicago Fire began.

The fire started in a barn on the property of Patrick and Catherine O’Leary.

Legend pins the blame for starting a fire on a cow.

Whatever the cause, the fire spread quickly through the cities wooden houses.

For two days the uncontrollable fire raged destroying everything in its path.

In the wake of its devastation nearly 300 people died and 100,000 families had their homes destroyed.

One person who lost her business in the fire was renowned labor leader Mother Jones.

In her autobiography she…