What Was the Great Chicago Fire?

This installment of the popular "What Was?" series delves into the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, offering young readers a factual account of one of America's most famous disasters. It goes beyond the popular myth of Mrs. O'Leary's cow to explain the conditions that led to the fire, the rapid spread due to drought and wind, and the heroic but often thwarted efforts to extinguish it. The book also provides a broader history of firefighting, giving context to the challenges faced during the blaze. It's an excellent resource for children aged 6-9 who are curious about history, natural disasters, or the science of fire, presented in an accessible chapter book format.

Did the Great Chicago Fire really start after a cow kicked over a lantern in a barn? Find out the truth in this addition to the What Was? series. On Sunday, October 8, 1871, a fire started on the south side of Chicago. A long drought made the neighborhood go up in flames. And practically everything that could go wrong did. Firemen first went to the wrong location. Fierce winds helped the blaze jump the Chicago River twice. The Chicago Waterworks burned down, making it impossible to fight the fire. Finally after two days, Mother Nature took over, with rain smothering the flames. This overview of a stupendous disaster not only covers the fire but explores the whole history of fire fighting.