Solving The Mystery: Who Burnt Down Chicago?

In this lesson students will look at multiple possible causes of the Great Fire in Chicago, Illinois in the year 1871. Students will examine multiple alibis, diagrams, records, and official statements in order to determine the cause of the Great Fire.

Lesson:

1. Look at the Mystery of The Great Fire PowerPoint which outlines key details about the start of the fire.

2. Read The Official Report of The Great Fire to further familiarize yourself with the events of October 8, 1871

3. Use the testimonies in the table below to determine who is to blame for the 1871 fire that devastated the city of Chicago.

4. Complete the Innocent or Guilty Graphic Organizer with evidence from each account and then make a verdict of who was responsible for the fire.

5. Finally, you will determine who is at fault for The Great Fire of Chicago. You must give your verdict and reasoning for doing so in the Who Burned Down Chicago Prompt.

*It is recommended you complete the Great Fire Graphic Organizer before writing in order to organize your thoughts and get an idea of what is expected.

6. Once you have finished the prompt, find a classmate to complete a peer edit. Complete the The Great Chicago Fire Peer Edit Sheet. After you paper has been checked by a peer, you may edit your prompt and submit your final draft.