Urban Hike: The Great Chicago Fire

In the middle of the night on October 8, 1871, a blaze broke out in an immigrant neighborhood on Chicago's near West Side. By the time the fire ended some thirty hours later, nearly 17,000 structures had been destroyed, and the still-young city had suffered over $200 million in damages. Walk the history of this tragic event with Chicago Studies from the fire at Mrs. O'Leary's barn, through downtown, and to the shores of Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park. Getting there and getting back: For UChicago Students who want to meet on campus Chicago Studies will provide (optional) free, direct bus transportation from campus to the hike's starting point. Our bus will pick up participants at 10:00 AM in front of our offices at 1155 E. 60th St. If you prefer to take your own transportation, the actual hike will begin at 10:45AM at 558 DeKoven St., the historic location of the O'Leary family's barn (where the fire began) and the present-day home of the City of Chicago's Quinn Fire Academy. We'll convene in the southwest corner of the campus, where a sculpture commemorates the beginning of the Great Fire. We will finish our hike at approximately 2:00 PM at the Chicago History Museum. We will provide Lyft passes to return to the campus after the hike. Chicago Studies will guide participants to the nearest transit options at several points during the event, but we also encourage you to stay on the north side to take advantage of the many nearby attractions, including the Chicago History Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory, as well as the many fine restaurants and nightspots in Lincoln Park and Old Town. The Chicago History Museum is a short walk from both the Sedgwick Brown Line and Clark & Division Red Line stops. Students can find information on acquiring a CTA/Ventra pass here. What to wear/bring: This will be a robust hike -- about 6 miles in total length, please wear comfortable walking shoes, as well as multiple layers, preferably including a rain jacket. Chicago Studies will have granola bars and other light snacks available prior to the hike (at 1155 E 60th St.), but will not be providing snacks or water during the hike itself. We encourage all participants to pack some snack foods and bring a water bottle to hydrate during our 3+ hours of physical activity . A light backpack (one that you're comfortable wearing/carrying for several hours) is also recommended. If you would like assistance in planning your trip back to campus on transit, or have any other questions, please contact [hidden]. To request accommodations, please reach out to [hidden]. More Info below.