The Daily Times

Historical marker location:
110 W Jefferson St, Ottawa, Illinois
( Marker is on West Jefferson Street west of Columbus Street (Illinois Route 23), on the right when traveling west.)

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The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was one of the most devastating fires in U.S. history. The fire destroyed much of the city, including over 17,000 buildings and left more than 100,000 people homeless. The fire started in a barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O'Leary, but the cause of the fire is still debated to this day.