The Chicago of 1871 Was Built to Burn
It’s been 150 years and the origin story of the Great Chicago Fire still relies on Catherine O’Leary’s cow kicking over a lantern and setting the city ablaze. While there’s still some mystery around what actually happened that fateful October day, what is clear is that the bias against Irish Catholic immigrants served as a perfect scapegoat for the fire, and it parallels the way some populations are affected more negatively than others in natural disasters. Host Jacoby Cochran spoke with Julius Jones, curator of Chicago History Museum’s new exhibit “City on Fire: Chicago 1871,” about what the city was like in 1871 and who the 100,000 residents who lost their homes were.
Guest: Julius Jones — Assistant Curator, Chicago History Museum
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago
Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Mass Shooting Attempt in Aurora. Plus, Will Illinois Step in for Gender-Affirming Care?
Today we’re talking about an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu Temple in Aurora and what Illinois is doing to keep gender-affirming care...
Who Is Billionaire Mega Donor Michael Sacks? Plus, What Questions Are on the Ballot?
Billionaire mega-donor Michael Sacks has been involved in Illinois politics and the state’s democratic party for decades. He has been an...
Pope Leo’s Cancer Diagnosis, Bears’ Hallmark Debut, and Soul Train Awards
Today we’re joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss Pope Leo’s recent cancer diagnosis, Chicago’s newest Bears...
What Happened at City Hall This Week? Plus, School Board Front Runner
Today we’re talking about what went down at this week’s city council meeting, including a $260 million police settlement, attempts to ove...
Your Guide to Halloween & Día de Muertos in Chicago
There are two weeks left to go in October, which means the spooky season is almost over. But don’t worry, contributors Yareni Murillo and...
The Fat Cat Attracting Lincoln Park Rats. Plus, Northalsted’s Legacy Walk
For years, Lincoln Park neighbors have complained about one couple who has single-handedly contributed to the growing rat population in t...
Why Is Chicago Losing Maternity Wards? Plus, Guide to Judicial Elections
Safety net hospitals in the Chicagoland area are in crisis. We have covered multiple closures, including West Suburban in Oak Park and We...
OIG Reopens Dominguez Investigation. Plus, Michigan Ave Getting Bus Lane
Chicago Public Schools’ inspector general is reopening an investigation into school board presidential candidate Hilario Dominguez. He is...
Will Supreme Court End Assault Weapons Ban? Plus, Chicago Named Best Big City… AGAIN
The Supreme Court is officially back for the fall term, and it has its hands full. The ACLU possibly has its busiest term ever, with plen...
Edgewater Rezoning Debate, John Prine Bday Celebration, and White Sox Tickets Skyrocket
Today we’re talking about an ongoing redevelopment debate in Edgewater, a birthday celebration for legendary songwriter John Prine, and t...