What Buildings Survived The Chicago Fire?

On October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began with a small blaze in a barn on the city’s near northwest side. By the time it was over, more than 300 people were dead, 17,450 buildings were destroyed, and 100,000 people were left homeless. Despite the tremendous destruction, a few of the city’s buildings managed to survive the inferno, each of which now serves as a reminder of the Fire’s resilience and courage.

The first building to survive the Chicago Fire is the Water Tower. Built in 1869 from Joliet limestone, the Water Tower is one of the few buildings that managed to withstand the heat and flames of the Fire. After being damaged and repaired multiple times over the years, the Water Tower is now a Chicago landmark and a symbol of the city’s resilience. The building also serves as the official visitor’s center for the city of Chicago.

The Second Presbyterian Church is another building that managed to survive the Fire. Built in 1867, the Second Presbyterian Church is an example of the “Chicago School” of architecture and is the city’s oldest still-standing church. The church was damaged during the Fire, but its walls held strong and were restored to their original glory soon after. The Second Presbyterian Church is now a popular tourist destination and is considered a testament to the strength and resilience of the city’s people.

The Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church is perhaps the most famous building to survive the Fire. Built in 1856, the church was among the city’s oldest structures at the time of the Great Fire. Despite being surrounded by flames, the church managed to remain standing, with only minor damage to its roof. The church was soon after restored to its original state and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Chicago Fire was undoubtedly one of the most devastating events in the city’s history. But it is also a testament to the courage and resilience of its people. The buildings that managed to survive the Fire now serve as a reminder of that resilience and as a symbol of the city’s ability to rise from the ashes.

What Iconic Structures Survived The Great Chicago Fire?

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 made history as the most devastating fire in the city’s history. Hundreds of buildings were destroyed, but there were also some iconic structures that managed to survive the inferno. Here’s a look at some of the buildings that managed to withstand the flames.

Water Tower
The most recognizable of all the structures that survived the fire is the Water Tower. This stone tower, which stands at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Chicago Avenue, was originally built in 1869 to supply the city with clean drinking water. It was one of the few structures in the area to survive the fire, and today is a symbol of the city’s resilience.

Old Courthouse
The Old Courthouse, which stands at the corner of State and Randolph Streets, was built in 1857 and is the oldest remaining building in the city. The courthouse managed to escape the flames, and today is a National Historic Landmark. Inside the building, you can find displays and exhibits about the history of the city.

Blessed Sacrament Church
Blessed Sacrament Church, located at the corner of North Avenue and Halsted Street, was built in 1875, only four years after the fire. The church is a reminder of the city’s determination to rebuild and is the oldest surviving church in the city. The church still stands today and is open to visitors.

The Rookery Building
The Rookery Building, located at 209 South LaSalle Street, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city. Built in 1886, the building is a testament to the city’s ability to adapt and survive. Today, the building is a National Historic Landmark and is open to visitors.

These iconic structures are reminders of the city’s resilience and determination to rebuild after the Great Chicago Fire. Today, these buildings are still standing and are some of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.

Which Buildings Were Spared By The Devastating 1871 Chicago Fire?

The 1871 Chicago Fire was one of the most devastating fires in history, destroying about 4 square miles of the city and leaving more than 100,000 people homeless. Yet, amid the destruction, some buildings were spared. Here’s a look at which buildings were spared by the devastating 1871 Chicago Fire.

The first building to be spared was the Chicago Water Tower. It was constructed in 1869 and was one of the few remaining pre-fire structures. The tower was made of limestone, with walls 3 feet thick. It was able to withstand the flames and was one of the few symbols of the city that survived the disaster.

The Second City Church, located at the corner of State and Randolph Streets, was also mostly spared. This church, constructed in 1856-57, was one of the oldest buildings in the city and its walls were made of brick and stone. Despite being surrounded by fire, the church walls were able to protect the building and it survived the fire relatively unscathed.

The Chicago Avenue Pumping Station was also spared. This building, constructed in 1869, was located on the corner of Chicago Avenue and State Street. The building, made of brick and limestone, was able to withstand the heat and flames of the fire.

The Michigan Avenue Bridge was also able to withstand the fire. The bridge, constructed in 1852, was made of wood and iron. Despite the surrounding buildings being completely destroyed, the bridge stood strong and was one of the few bridges to survive the disaster.

The last building to be spared was the Cook County Courthouse. The Courthouse, constructed in 1857, was made of limestone and brick. The thick walls of the building were able to protect it from the flames and it emerged unscathed from the fire.

These five buildings were some of the few that were able to survive the devastating 1871 Chicago Fire. Despite the destruction that occurred, these buildings were able to withstand the flames and are a testament to the strength and resilience of the city of Chicago.