How the Chicago fire of 1871 started?

Answer 1

Nobody knows for sure the answer to this question. The fire began in or near a barn on DeKoven St. belonging to Mrs. Catherine O'Leary.

There is a colorful legend that persists to this day, that the fire was started by a cow, belonging to Mrs. O'Leary, kicking over a lantern. While Mrs. O'Leary, and presumably her cow as well, were real, the story was published because it simply made a good story. This is one of many examples of the Yellow Journalism of the period, and apparently, Mrs. O'Leary spent the rest of her days unhappily in the public eye, blamed for the huge fire until the end of her life.

Answer 2

The Urban Legend blames it on a lantern being kicked over by Mrs. O'Leary's cow.
That remains a mystery, but Catherine O'Leary's cow was not guilty. That was a bit of creative writing which the reporter added as good copy.

Answer 3

The origin of the fire remains unknown, but the story about the O'Leary cow kicking over a lantern has been discounted.

Answer 4

That remains an unknown, but it was not Catherine O'Leary's cow.

Answer 5

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it was not Catherine O'Leary's cow.

Answer 6

The Chicago Fire had nothing to do with a meteor. It was very dry conditions. Wisconsin had the Peshtigo Fire on the same day.

Answer 7

It remains of unknown origin, but it was not Catherine O'Leary's cow.