Railroads and the Founding of Mendota

Historical marker location:

684 8th St, Mendota, Illinois

( Marker is at the intersection of 8th Street and Main Street, on the left when traveling east on 8th Street.)

Marker installed: 2002

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.