On October 8, 1871, flames spark in the Chicago barn of Patrick and Catherine O’Leary, igniting a two-day blaze that killed over 200 people, destroyed 17,450 buildings, left 100,000 homeless and caused an estimated $200 million (in 1871 dollars; roughly $4 billion in 2021 dollars) in damages.
Legend has it the fire began when the O’Leary cow kicked over a lantern. By way of apology, the legend states, Pat and Cathy had their neighbors over the next night to feast on only the finest cuts of the now sizzling bovine treat. The final part of the legend says the neighbors all stayed overnight and shared rooms with spouses; just not their own. So apparently some good came out of the fire.
Never let the truth get in the way of a good story!