Chicago Water Crib and Scope of the Great Fire 1871

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was so huge, hot, and incredible, that it seemed to spread by the air itself. To understand the scope of this fire storm, consider this: John Tolland was stationed at the water crib, and lived there with his family in 1871. That was (and still is) TWO MILES out in Lake Michigan to bring fresh water into Water Works by way of a large pipe on the bottom. After the fire, he testified that he spent many hours struggling to save the crib from the fire brands and embers landing on the roof! Here is today's crib (different but in the same spot) from the lake taken from a sailboat, and the others from Chicago Avenue at the shore. On the panoramic one, look hard. It is near the center!