This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/18/2024
[GREAT CHICAGO FIRE]. A group 13 rare stereoviews showing the destruction and aftermath caused by the fire. V.p., n.d. [ca. 1872]. 38 albumen photos on 13 cards, several combination views with photos on both sides showing before and after, some contemporary notations and captions in lower margin or versos, light wear at edges. Publishers include: P.B. Greene, Copelin & Hine, Charles A. Zimmerman, Lovejoy & Foster, J. Battersby. Images of buildings and views include: Booksellers Row, Palmer House, Court House, from dome of Court House looking S.E., Railroad Depot, First National Bank, Insurance Exchange on La Salle St., Post Office, Bigelow House, and more. On 8 October 1871, the city of Chicago became engulfed in flames that raged for two days, leaving a path of destruction that ravaged over 17,000 structures and the displacement of an estimated 100,000 residents, becoming one of the greatest tragedies in American history. Despite the widespread devastation, the city of Chicago quickly embarked on a remarkable rebuilding effort, using the opportunity to modernize and develop into a major economic and cultural hub in the years that followed.