Illinois U.S. Route 66

Historical marker location:

1000 W Main St, Lexington, Illinois

( Marker is on Old U.S. 66 south of West Main Street, on the right when traveling north.)

Marker installed: 1996

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.