150 years after the Chicago Fire, its legacy is still etched in our city

By Cianna Greaves
Chicago Fire Illustration
Illustration of an aerial view of the Chicago Fire of 1871, Chicago, Illinois. Image shows a portion of the city on fire and ships and boats in Lake Michigan. Thomas Kelly / Library of Congress
Chicago Fire Illustration
Illustration of an aerial view of the Chicago Fire of 1871, Chicago, Illinois. Image shows a portion of the city on fire and ships and boats in Lake Michigan. Thomas Kelly / Library of Congress

150 years after the Chicago Fire, its legacy is still etched in our city

By Cianna Greaves
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2021 marked the 150th anniversary of The Great Chicago Fire. The fire started in what is now the South Loop and raged for two days, leaving thousands of Chicagoans homeless. Urban historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas and WBEZ host Lisa Labuz look back at the devastating impact of the fire and how Chicagoans rose to the challenge of rebuilding the city.