6. Rebuilding the city after 1871
In early October, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed over three square miles within the city’s center and north side. Contrary to legend, Mrs. O’Leary’s cow likely did not start the fire, though the damage was indeed extensive. Relief efforts from outside the city began before the smoldering ended, brought to the scene by the railroads and lake steamers. The same transportation systems responsible for the city’s rapid growth brought the means for its recovery following the disaster. Army troops were carried by rail to enforce martial law and control looting. Medical supplies, clothing, and food for the citizens rendered homeless arrived by rail.
The destruction caused by the fire did not hamper the city’s continued activity as a rail and shipping hub, especially for the Union Stockyards and the meatpacking companies within and around the area. The amount of meat processed in the yards continued to increase as the rest of the city rebuilt. Capital generated by the yards helped fund much of the rebuilding of the city’s damaged infrastructure. Lumber, steel, brick, and stone needed to rebuild much of Chicago arrived in the city largely by rail, as did an influx of laborers and construction trades. At the same time, cattle, hogs, sheep, and grain from feedlot farmers arrived at the Union Stockyards as the city recovered from the fire.