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[Deaths, Disturbances, Disasters and Disorders]

Compiled by Ellen O'Brien and Lyle Benedict, Reference Librarians in CPL's Municipal Reference Collection.

Introduction and Contents

Tragedies are a popular topic of historical inquiry, daily discussion, media attention and governmental action. On the heels of many of the disasters came lasting social and physical changes. For example after the Great Chicago Fire, Mayor Medill, elected as the candidate of the Fireproof Party, enacted strong building codes. Fear of disease was the driving force behind many of Chicago's most spectacular projects such as the Sanitary and Ship Canal.

We have covered all of the major disasters, and those commonly getting the most attention. Minor disasters happen every day. Therefore our selection of minor disasters is somewhat eclectic. The sources listed in the bibliography likewise are only a starting point and only a fraction of the holdings of the Collection and of the and of the Chicago Public Library. The Chicago Timeline on the Library's homepage is also quite useful.

Where appropriate, we have statistics on deaths. These also should be regarded as a starting point. In almost all of these disasters, there is disagreement over death totals. Often the disagreement is of more interest than the actual numbers. Rarely have any of the one day disasters had any significant effect on the annual mortality rate of Chicago.

Chicago Public Library

Prior to 1850

1850 to 1899

1900 to 1949

1950 to date