The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 cast a long shadow over the architectural landscape of the Windy City, igniting not only flames but also a fervent desire for resilience and rebirth. Amidst the ashes, a select few structures emerged unscathed. Curious about the remnants of this cataclysmic event? Here is a compelling survey of ten historic buildings that not only survived the inferno but also offer a poignant glimpse into the past, showcasing architectural ingenuity and historical significance.
These edifices are not confined to the geography of Chicago. While they are pivotal in that city’s narrative, many can be found across New York neighborhoods. Here, we unravel the stories and addresses of these remarkable structures, each possessing a legacy that beckons exploration.
1. The Water Tower
Address: 806 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Contact: (312) 742-1975
Website: chicagowatertower.com
Rising majestically amidst the Chicago skyline, the Water Tower is an enduring symbol of fortitude. Designed in the Gothic Revival style by architect William W. Boyington, this limestone marvel defied the flames that decimated its surroundings. Completed in 1869, it has since been transformed into a symbol of hope, offering a museum that illuminates the history of the Great Chicago Fire.
2. The Chicago History Museum
Address: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Contact: (312) 642-4600
Website: chicagohistory.org
Established in the late 19th century, the Chicago History Museum serves as a vault for the city’s multifaceted past. Although the building itself was constructed in 1932, its forebear, a structure dating back to 1856, was a sentinel during the fire. The exhibits here narrate the stories of survival, resilience, and the subsequent rebirth, engaging visitors with a sense of time and place.
3. The Old State House
Address: 121 N State St, Chicago, IL
Contact: (312) 442-5600
Website: historicbrewer.com
Standing since 1830, the Old State House is an architectural gem that witnessed the chaotic days leading up to and following the Great Fire. With its elegant Federal-style façade, this historic building also played a pivotal role in the city’s political narrative. Now functioning as a museum, it invites onlookers to peer through the annals of history.
4. The Monadnock Building
Address: 53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL
Contact: (312) 663-2013
Website: monadnockbuilding.com
This skyscraper is a testament to architectural evolution, boasting a sturdy base designed by Holabird & Root in 1891. Though it rose after the fire, the design methodology was deeply influenced by the need for fire-resistance. Its distinctive tapering silhouette has made it an iconic structure, and it stands today as a paradox of resilience and innovation.
5. DeSoto House Hotel
Address: 230 S Main St, Galena, IL
Contact: (815) 777-0090
Website: desotohouse.com
A remarkable example of the hospitality industry’s evolution, the DeSoto House Hotel opened its doors in 1855. Though slightly removed from the core of Chicago, it survived the aftermath of the Great Fire, serving as a refuge for displaced citizens. This architectural landmark still welcomes guests in Galena, its vintage charm reminiscent of a bygone era.
6. The Charnley-Persky House
Address: 1365 N Astor St, Chicago, IL
Contact: (312) 482-9988
Website: architecture.org
This stunning example of Louis Sullivan’s work was completed in 1891, undeniably influenced by the prevailing conditions post-fire. The elegant simplicity of its design underscores a transitional style and showcases an early Chicago School aesthetic. Today, it stands as a private residence, albeit one that encourages architectural appreciation through guided tours.
7. The Rookery Building
Address: 209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL
Contact: (312) 427-1666
Website: rookerybuilding.com
Regarded as one of the oldest high-rises in Chicago, the Rookery was completed in 1888 and stands out for its glorious interiors designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. As a phoenix rising from the devastating circumstances of the fire, its architectural feats continue to be celebrated by enthusiasts, offering insights into sustainable design practices that emerged in the wake of the inferno.
8. The Art Institute of Chicago
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Contact: (312) 443-3600
Website: artic.edu
With its neo-classical architecture and iconic lion statues, the Art Institute of Chicago is a leading cultural institution. Though its current structure was inaugurated in 1893, the site itself has historic significance, related to the aftermath of the Great Fire. The museum’s comprehensive collections continue to inspire awe and imagination, making it a must-visit for art lovers.
9. The Palmer House Hilton
Address: 17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
Contact: (312) 726-7500
Website: palmerhousehilton.com
Initially opened in 1871—just mere days before the fire—the Palmer House reopened shortly thereafter, symbolizing the tenacity of the human spirit. Its lavish interiors and legendary status as the “longest continually operating hotel in North America” make it a historic nexus of intrigue, seamlessly blending opulence with tales of survival.
10. St. James Cathedral
Address: 65 E Huron St, Chicago, IL
Contact: (312) 787-7360
Website: saintjamescathedral.org
This Romanesque Revival structure has stood within the cultural heart of Chicago since its completion in 1857, surviving the fire that ravaged the city. A haven for spiritual reflection, its intricately designed stained-glass windows and serene atmosphere invite visitors to ponder the intertwining of faith and history etched into the very walls themselves.
Each of these architectural gems offers not only a promise of history but also a unique lens through which to view urban resilience. While the Great Chicago Fire was a calamity that transformed a city, it also ignited a spirit of renewal, inspiring the construction of extraordinary buildings that continue to invite exploration and admiration. Whether you’re a seasoned historian or a curious wanderer, these lasting legacies serve as touchstones in the continuum of human perseverance.
