WEBVTT 1 00:00:14.940 --> 00:00:18.440 October 8, 1871. 2 00:00:20.600 --> 00:00:22.000 The Chicago Fire. 3 00:00:23.780 --> 00:00:25.800 You are there. 4 00:00:28.100 --> 00:00:31.760 Walter Cronkite reporting, Sunday, October 8, 1871. 5 00:00:32.120 --> 00:00:36.840 In this year and month, we are suffering in Chicago, the strange calamity that is most 6 00:00:36.840 --> 00:00:41.040 devastating and annoying to that new city, which is now only 30 years old. 7 00:00:41.380 --> 00:00:44.840 In this year, 1871, Chicago has grown like a boom town. 8 00:00:45.180 --> 00:00:49.880 A series of fires the last few months has made the city fathers realize that their city 9 00:00:49.880 --> 00:00:51.320 has grown much too fast. 10 00:00:51.680 --> 00:00:53.380 Chicago is now going through a drought. 11 00:00:53.380 --> 00:00:55.520 There has been no rain for nearly six weeks. 12 00:00:55.880 --> 00:00:59.520 The buildings, mostly wooden, are dry and as a result, dangerous. 13 00:00:59.840 --> 00:01:02.980 The last five days, there have been reported fires in many areas. 14 00:01:03.300 --> 00:01:08.440 The firemen as a result are exhausted, undermanned, and ill-equipped for such a series of outbreaks. 15 00:01:08.880 --> 00:01:11.580 Yesterday was the worst fire in Chicago history. 16 00:01:11.680 --> 00:01:13.500 Four blocks were entirely burned. 17 00:01:13.640 --> 00:01:17.480 We've heard reports that another fire has broken out in a barn on the southeast corner 18 00:01:17.480 --> 00:01:19.180 of DeKoven and Clinton Streets. 19 00:01:19.180 --> 00:01:23.680 The barn, owned by the O'Learys of that area, has caught fire and is being whipped by a 20 00:01:23.680 --> 00:01:25.320 very strong southwest wind. 21 00:01:25.600 --> 00:01:29.580 We understand that flames are spreading to the adjoining sheds in the interior of this block. 22 00:01:29.840 --> 00:01:33.640 We take you now to our reporter on the corner of DeKoven and Clinton Streets. 23 00:01:33.740 --> 00:01:36.320 All things are as they were then, except... 24 00:01:36.320 --> 00:01:38.020 You are there. 25 00:01:40.140 --> 00:01:41.060 This is William Kennealy. 26 00:01:41.680 --> 00:01:43.400 We're at DeKoven and Clinton Streets. 27 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:47.400 The fire department has not yet arrived, but it's expected at any moment. 28 00:01:47.400 --> 00:01:50.740 The fire has moved up Clinton towards Taylor Street. 29 00:01:51.260 --> 00:01:55.360 It's moving directly northeast and cutting diagonally through the block. 30 00:01:55.960 --> 00:02:00.640 The O'Leary barn, where the fire was first reported, is four houses beyond the house 31 00:02:00.640 --> 00:02:01.440 we're now viewing. 32 00:02:02.100 --> 00:02:06.060 Now, this home, which I'm afraid is beyond hope, belongs to the John Rafferty. 33 00:02:06.320 --> 00:02:11.120 We've been informed that one of the fire brigades has reached the scene, but it's up on Taylor 34 00:02:11.120 --> 00:02:12.640 Street trying to head off the fire. 35 00:02:24.560 --> 00:02:27.640 This is Cleet Roberts of Engine Company Chicago Five. 36 00:02:27.740 --> 00:02:29.320 Other companies are on their way. 37 00:02:29.640 --> 00:02:30.580 Take it, Bill Stout. 38 00:02:31.480 --> 00:02:32.680 This is Bill Stout. 39 00:02:32.960 --> 00:02:36.740 We're near Jefferson and DeKoven Street, a hop, skip, and jump from where the fire started 40 00:02:36.740 --> 00:02:37.820 near the O'Leary barn. 41 00:02:38.220 --> 00:02:40.820 Nearly three square blocks are now consumed by flame. 42 00:02:40.900 --> 00:02:42.420 At the moment, there is no panic. 43 00:02:42.780 --> 00:02:43.980 The engines are now arriving. 44 00:02:43.980 --> 00:02:47.380 The first to arrive was the Little Giant at 9.24 p.m. 45 00:02:47.740 --> 00:02:51.260 They took water from the first plug on the southwest corner of Jefferson and DeKoven 46 00:02:51.260 --> 00:02:51.560 Street. 47 00:02:52.200 --> 00:02:53.360 There is a strong wind. 48 00:02:53.600 --> 00:02:57.760 It has been estimated at nearly 60 miles an hour, and it's blowing the fire directly northeast. 49 00:02:58.300 --> 00:02:59.780 The fire is spreading very quickly. 50 00:03:00.100 --> 00:03:01.920 The heat is creating a strong grab. 51 00:03:02.200 --> 00:03:06.480 Sparks are blowing in many directions, setting fire to shavings and woodpiles in the yards. 52 00:03:07.020 --> 00:03:10.300 They are laying down lines of hose between Taylor and DeKoven Streets. 53 00:03:10.300 --> 00:03:14.400 At the moment, the need of volunteer firemen is a necessity, and many of the citizens have 54 00:03:14.400 --> 00:03:15.860 already been pressed into service. 55 00:03:18.240 --> 00:03:19.760 Here's another flash fire. 56 00:03:20.120 --> 00:03:24.000 If this continues, the firemen will not be able to control the fire, and it can spread 57 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:26.420 in almost any direction the wind decides to take it. 58 00:03:26.700 --> 00:03:30.740 The firemen are pumping furiously now, trying to get enough pressure to force their water 59 00:03:30.740 --> 00:03:31.500 spray to the maximum. 60 00:03:32.020 --> 00:03:34.480 I repeat, in this wind, anything can happen. 61 00:03:34.760 --> 00:03:36.340 Flash fires are getting out of hand. 62 00:03:36.980 --> 00:03:40.380 We are trying to train our cameras on a mass of burning material that's been caught in 63 00:03:40.380 --> 00:03:41.880 the air and is moving down. 64 00:03:42.000 --> 00:03:43.860 It's nearly two, three blocks away. 65 00:03:44.140 --> 00:03:44.760 There it is. 66 00:03:45.080 --> 00:03:48.980 It's heading north of Taylor Street, striking the steeple of St. Paul's Catholic Church 67 00:03:48.980 --> 00:03:51.020 on the northeast of Mather and Quinton Streets. 68 00:03:51.500 --> 00:03:53.680 It's threatening to cross the river near Polk Street. 69 00:03:53.820 --> 00:03:55.400 We take you now to Grant Holcomb. 70 00:03:59.380 --> 00:04:00.340 This is Grant Holcomb. 71 00:04:00.720 --> 00:04:02.660 We're on Polk Street, the south side of the river. 72 00:04:02.660 --> 00:04:07.820 It is true, the fire is threatened to cross the river, and it may happen at any moment. 73 00:04:08.800 --> 00:04:12.380 Right now, all of the engine companies are moving in and hoping that they can bring the 74 00:04:12.380 --> 00:04:13.220 fire to a halt. 75 00:04:13.820 --> 00:04:15.000 It's a northeast wind here. 76 00:04:15.460 --> 00:04:19.700 What is frightening is that directly northeast, across the city, lies the water works. 77 00:04:20.160 --> 00:04:24.300 If the fire continues to move in this direction, it will be moving directly toward the water 78 00:04:24.300 --> 00:04:24.540 works. 79 00:04:24.880 --> 00:04:27.040 Naturally, there'd be no chance of saving the city. 80 00:04:28.320 --> 00:04:30.740 What is most disturbing, the width of the fire is growing. 81 00:04:31.340 --> 00:04:35.220 Not only is it moving in a northeast direction, but the breadth of it continues. 82 00:04:37.400 --> 00:04:41.300 People who are milling about here don't seem to realize yet that the fire is beginning 83 00:04:41.300 --> 00:04:45.460 to get out of hand, and that if this continues, it could consume the entire city. 84 00:04:46.820 --> 00:04:50.320 We've had word that the fire is crossing the river, so we take you to Todd Hunter near 85 00:04:50.320 --> 00:04:51.420 the bridge at Polk Street. 86 00:04:51.780 --> 00:04:52.820 Come in, Todd Hunter. 87 00:04:54.400 --> 00:04:55.260 This is Todd Hunter. 88 00:04:55.580 --> 00:04:59.120 The fire is crossing here at the bridge at Polk Street and is going to head on into the 89 00:04:59.120 --> 00:04:59.880 main part of town. 90 00:04:59.880 --> 00:05:02.260 The heat is so bad here, we're going to have to move. 91 00:05:02.320 --> 00:05:03.560 Come in, Harlow Wilcox. 92 00:05:04.940 --> 00:05:06.060 This is Harlow Wilcox. 93 00:05:06.080 --> 00:05:08.840 We're on the courthouse balcony where the city fathers are gathered. 94 00:05:09.180 --> 00:05:09.760 Check it at the river. 95 00:05:10.600 --> 00:05:11.660 What time is it now? 96 00:05:12.020 --> 00:05:13.140 Midnight, on the nose. 97 00:05:14.340 --> 00:05:16.660 Looks like the fire is moving in the north division too. 98 00:05:17.440 --> 00:05:19.220 If only that wind would give us a break. 99 00:05:19.560 --> 00:05:24.620 While the mayor here is sending for the National Guard, General Sheridan's Army, if possible, 100 00:05:24.760 --> 00:05:29.320 and for hosts of volunteers, we take you now down to Adams and Franklin Street, which 101 00:05:29.320 --> 00:05:30.620 are east of the river. 102 00:05:32.080 --> 00:05:33.300 This is Grant Holcomb. 103 00:05:33.740 --> 00:05:36.260 We moved across the river and we're near the main part of town. 104 00:05:36.620 --> 00:05:39.340 Fire has crossed the river and it's beginning to look very bad. 105 00:05:40.080 --> 00:05:40.700 What's that? 106 00:05:41.480 --> 00:05:43.300 It was a man jumping on fire. 107 00:05:46.140 --> 00:05:47.880 They're signaling now for more coal. 108 00:05:48.740 --> 00:05:52.740 What is frightening is nearly 175 acres have already been consumed. 109 00:05:53.140 --> 00:05:56.120 Over 500 buildings are nothing but smoldering embers. 110 00:05:56.680 --> 00:05:57.680 What more can we say? 111 00:05:57.680 --> 00:06:02.860 You can see for yourself this fire is moving like a great octopus, consuming everything 112 00:06:02.860 --> 00:06:03.460 in sight. 113 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:06.860 It's hungry and it's eager and it's becoming a nightmare. 114 00:06:08.200 --> 00:06:11.040 These men have been fighting the fire since nine o'clock. 115 00:06:12.120 --> 00:06:15.700 Now a little past midnight and many of them are falling from exhaustion. 116 00:06:31.200 --> 00:06:32.640 This is Cleve Roberts. 117 00:06:32.840 --> 00:06:33.940 We've moved across the river. 118 00:06:34.160 --> 00:06:35.600 We're down in the heart of the business section. 119 00:06:36.080 --> 00:06:39.660 These milling crowds realize now that they're faced with more than a fire. 120 00:06:40.100 --> 00:06:41.900 They're faced with the threat of being annihilated. 121 00:06:42.420 --> 00:06:43.800 This is the first sign of panic. 122 00:06:43.840 --> 00:06:47.340 I realized this when we saw the first sign of self-preservation. 123 00:06:47.760 --> 00:06:49.600 Each man is worrying about himself. 124 00:06:49.880 --> 00:06:51.600 The policeman cannot control the crowd. 125 00:06:52.080 --> 00:06:55.300 We may have to move back, for this crowd has become a threatening one. 126 00:06:55.300 --> 00:06:57.960 The pressure of the water is running low. 127 00:06:58.360 --> 00:06:58.880 Wait a minute. 128 00:06:59.240 --> 00:07:02.540 We've just received word the fire has moved into the stockyard. 129 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:04.960 Todd Hunter is somewhere near the stockyard. 130 00:07:05.440 --> 00:07:06.580 Can you hear me Todd Hunter? 131 00:07:06.820 --> 00:07:07.600 Can you hear me? 132 00:07:15.480 --> 00:07:17.480 This is Todd Hunter near the stockyard. 133 00:07:17.600 --> 00:07:20.540 Over 10,000 cattle have been frightened into a stampede. 134 00:07:20.920 --> 00:07:23.940 They're breaking through their wooden bars and there's nothing here they can stop. 135 00:07:23.940 --> 00:07:25.840 This is beyond imagination. 136 00:07:26.480 --> 00:07:28.220 Everyone here is scattered and run for their lives. 137 00:07:28.340 --> 00:07:29.480 For this could be instant death. 138 00:07:29.480 --> 00:07:31.460 This could be worse in many ways than the fire. 139 00:07:32.180 --> 00:07:34.740 Oh, I'm sorry, but we're going to have to get out of here ourselves. 140 00:07:34.820 --> 00:07:35.780 Come in, Bob Perks. 141 00:07:38.720 --> 00:07:39.940 This is Bob Perks. 142 00:07:40.320 --> 00:07:41.820 I have a vantage point on a ledge. 143 00:07:42.320 --> 00:07:45.500 I may have to move up higher, but at this moment it seems safe. 144 00:07:46.220 --> 00:07:47.480 The cattle are running this way. 145 00:07:47.760 --> 00:07:50.180 Unfortunately, they're heading right toward the heart of town. 146 00:07:50.980 --> 00:07:52.480 Everybody's trying to move out of the way. 147 00:07:52.480 --> 00:07:56.360 It seems like now we're caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, 148 00:07:56.760 --> 00:07:59.160 between this onrushing herd and the fire. 149 00:08:24.860 --> 00:08:26.400 This is Graham Holcomb again. 150 00:08:26.740 --> 00:08:30.080 I'm here with Bill Kennealy where we've met and we're right in the center of town. 151 00:08:30.480 --> 00:08:32.540 The fire is moving like a blowtorch. 152 00:08:32.920 --> 00:08:36.380 It's jumping ahead far beyond the tired men who are trying to stop it. 153 00:08:36.700 --> 00:08:38.980 I'd say it's roaring at about 100 yards a minute. 154 00:08:39.640 --> 00:08:42.260 We're a few blocks away from the water works. 155 00:08:42.580 --> 00:08:44.100 The fire is moving directly northeast. 156 00:08:44.240 --> 00:08:46.020 It has not changed its course. 157 00:09:00.320 --> 00:09:04.300 We've been trying to fight through this mob to see if we can reach the water works ourselves, 158 00:09:04.300 --> 00:09:07.080 but it's almost impossible to get any closer. 159 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:22.460 Wait a moment. 160 00:09:22.460 --> 00:09:24.900 There's a woman caught on the second floor window. 161 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:30.460 Oh, that was close. 162 00:09:33.860 --> 00:09:36.020 I believe there's someone else up there. 163 00:09:36.360 --> 00:09:37.100 It's a man. 164 00:09:51.340 --> 00:09:55.660 We're going to see if we can skirt around and see how close the fire is to the main source of water supply. 165 00:09:56.360 --> 00:09:57.160 Take it, Bill Stout. 166 00:10:00.260 --> 00:10:04.100 This is Bill Stout on one of the fire engines trying to reach the water works. 167 00:10:04.160 --> 00:10:06.080 This will be a concentration point. 168 00:10:07.080 --> 00:10:07.080 169 00:10:07.080 --> 00:10:07.080 170 00:10:07.080 --> 00:10:07.080 171 00:10:07.080 --> 00:10:07.080 172 00:10:07.080 --> 00:10:08.980 We're fascinated with these horses. 173 00:10:09.380 --> 00:10:11.140 We can't take our eyes off of them. 174 00:10:11.260 --> 00:10:15.120 With cattle and people milling as one, these horses continue to remain calm. 175 00:10:15.520 --> 00:10:18.060 They're going about their duty with loyalty and courage. 176 00:10:18.500 --> 00:10:21.560 Without these animals, the city would have been ravaged hours ago. 177 00:10:22.420 --> 00:10:25.480 There's a roadblock ahead, so take it, Harlow Wilcox. 178 00:10:33.520 --> 00:10:35.000 This is Harlow Wilcox. 179 00:10:35.000 --> 00:10:38.560 We may have to be leaving here soon. The fire is catching up with us. 180 00:10:38.780 --> 00:10:42.280 I'm sorry, Your Honor, but I've been notified to tell you that you must abandon this building at once. 181 00:10:42.680 --> 00:10:44.780 Do you know if the city prisoners were released from the jail? 182 00:10:45.020 --> 00:10:47.340 I believe so. Nearly 150. 183 00:10:47.960 --> 00:10:50.200 I don't know whether you know it or not, but there's been a lot of looting. 184 00:10:50.400 --> 00:10:52.640 And all the liquor's been thrown out of the stores into the streets. 185 00:10:54.020 --> 00:10:55.900 We're getting it from both sides now. 186 00:10:56.200 --> 00:10:58.420 The second fire started here a few minutes ago. 187 00:10:59.440 --> 00:11:02.720 There's also a great danger of being trapped by surrounding planes here. 188 00:11:02.720 --> 00:11:05.940 These poor firemen have been fighting for over six hours. 189 00:11:06.380 --> 00:11:09.060 Most of them also fought yesterday's fire. 190 00:11:26.020 --> 00:11:30.720 We take you now to Bill Stout, who's waiting down by the lake, so come in, reporter Bill Stout. 191 00:11:37.240 --> 00:11:40.280 This is Bill Stout. We're down at the lake. 192 00:11:41.000 --> 00:11:43.760 Thousands and thousands of citizens have come here for safety. 193 00:11:44.500 --> 00:11:47.600 The heat is so great that everyone is getting in the water to stay cool. 194 00:11:48.120 --> 00:11:52.040 We know, as most of these people do now, that the city is doing. 195 00:12:09.960 --> 00:12:13.620 This is Sweet Roberts. Bill Keneally is on the other side of the waterworks. 196 00:12:13.620 --> 00:12:16.000 He's been cut off, and we can't get in touch with him. 197 00:12:16.780 --> 00:12:20.060 Many families, like the Rafferty's, have been split and divided. 198 00:12:20.860 --> 00:12:23.060 Men who were at work could not reach home, 199 00:12:23.500 --> 00:12:26.960 and the few that did found that their families had left for safer ground. 200 00:12:28.180 --> 00:12:32.420 We've seen many reunions, families brought back together, especially here at the lake. 201 00:12:32.420 --> 00:12:36.420 Many of the men, of course, have been pressed into service as volunteer firemen, 202 00:12:37.320 --> 00:12:38.940 and they're back in the city fighting the flames. 203 00:12:40.120 --> 00:12:43.820 Here on the lake, the crowds continue to gather. 204 00:12:45.740 --> 00:12:48.540 What you're seeing pretty well speaks for itself. 205 00:13:07.980 --> 00:13:11.600 We've just received word from Grant Holcomb that he's near the waterworks. 206 00:13:12.260 --> 00:13:13.300 Come in, Grant Holcomb. 207 00:13:27.440 --> 00:13:28.560 This is Grant Holcomb. 208 00:13:28.860 --> 00:13:30.680 Most of the waterworks have been destroyed. 209 00:13:30.960 --> 00:13:32.400 The tower is still standing, though. 210 00:13:32.400 --> 00:13:35.260 A great exodus out of the city has now started. 211 00:13:35.640 --> 00:13:39.120 Those who can't reach the lake are running wildly toward the outskirts of the city, 212 00:13:39.400 --> 00:13:41.480 and it looks like the city is coming to an end. 213 00:13:41.880 --> 00:13:44.500 We're going to have to move, too. Someone please take over. 214 00:13:54.760 --> 00:13:58.140 At daybreak, the magnitude of the fire became more apparent. 215 00:13:58.460 --> 00:14:01.840 Where a large part of the city had been was nothing but prairie. 216 00:14:01.840 --> 00:14:04.600 Monday night, the Chicago Avenue Bridge fell. 217 00:14:05.060 --> 00:14:08.020 The sun went down Monday night, and the wind died, too. 218 00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:10.680 By nightfall, the fire was out all over the city, 219 00:14:10.840 --> 00:14:15.200 except in the neighborhood of Clark Street and Fulton Avenue, where it still burned fitfully. 220 00:14:15.680 --> 00:14:21.380 Then, dawn on Tuesday, October the 10th, presented a scene of appalling desolation to the frightened people. 221 00:14:21.760 --> 00:14:25.560 An area four and three-quarters miles long from the north to south, 222 00:14:25.760 --> 00:14:30.900 with an average width of one mile, had been wiped out in a short period of about 30 hours. 223 00:14:30.900 --> 00:14:37.400 What had been a prosperous business and industrial district was now nothing but occasional piles of stone and bread. 224 00:14:37.660 --> 00:14:41.140 2,124 acres had been consumed by fire. 225 00:14:41.420 --> 00:14:44.480 Almost 17,000 houses had been burned to the ground. 226 00:14:44.980 --> 00:14:48.040 This had been a great city. Now there was nothing but ashes. 227 00:14:48.120 --> 00:14:51.760 But it was not a ghost city nor a lost city, for the people remained. 228 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:55.220 The moment the fire ended, their courage and energy were restored, 229 00:14:55.240 --> 00:14:58.540 and with it, the people of Chicago went to work to rebuild their city. 230 00:14:58.540 --> 00:15:02.540 Their attitude was best summed up in a proclamation issued by the mayor. 231 00:15:02.980 --> 00:15:07.920 Quote, with the help of God, order and peace and private property shall be preserved. 232 00:15:08.440 --> 00:15:12.440 It is believed the fire has spread its force, and all will soon be well. 233 00:15:13.060 --> 00:15:14.380 What sort of day was it? 234 00:15:14.640 --> 00:15:19.180 A day like all days, filled with those events that alter and illuminate our time. 235 00:15:19.580 --> 00:15:21.300 And you were there.