Site of the Origin of the Chicago Fire of 1871

Landmark Context

Site of the Origin of the Chicago Fire of 1871 is tied to Dekoven (1050s) & Jefferson (600w) St in the city's landmark file. The current city data lists it as dating to a construction date of 1871 and credits Sculpture, "Pillar of Fire" by Egon Weiner, 1961. It was designated on September 15, 1971. Site of the Origin of the Chicago Fire of 1871 keeps commercial development, architectural branding, and corridor and downtown change grounded in a real building even when the public record is brief.

Site of the Origin of the Chicago Fire of 1871 reveals more once fieldwork compares storefront depth, upper-floor expression, and corner treatment, how the facade addresses pedestrian traffic, and later signage, infill, or reuse. Those observations help show how commercial architecture stayed visible even as the economic life around it changed.

Research Starting Points

Site of the Origin of the Chicago Fire of 1871 starts to deepen once research reaches trade press and city directories, permit files and assessor records, and historic photographs and newspaper coverage. Those records help separate what the landmark file says from what the longer building history actually shows.

Site of the Origin of the Chicago Fire of 1871 still needs permits, photographs, and comparison, but the landmark record gives that work a stable point of return.