The Great Chicago Fire and the myth of Mrs. O'Leary's cow
By: by Richard F. Bales ; foreword by Thomas F. Schwartz.
Publisher: McFarland & Co.
Published: 2002
Place of publication: Jefferson, N.C
Language: eng
Number of pages: 338
Subjects: Great Fire, Chicago, Ill., 1871; Chicago (Ill.) -- History -- To 1875.
Description: "In this comprehensive and painstakingly detailed study, author Richard F. Bales disproves not only the O'Leary story (along with other popular fabrications of the time), but the commissioners' report as well.

Using rare land tract records and more than 1,100 handwritten pages of transcript from the 1871 investigation, Bales uncovers solid evidence of official indifference, a bungled inquiry aimed at preserving reputations rather than pressing for answers - and the possible source of the spark that leveled a city."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 309-333) and index.
Table of contents: title: A city on fire; title: The exoneration of Mrs. O'Leary; title: Debunking other myths; title: The real cause; title: The inquiry, charade or coverup?; title: Mrs. O'Leary's legacy; title: Questions, mysteries, and controversies; title: Behind the conclusions; title: "How it originated"; title: Selections from the transcript of the inquiry; title: The board's final report.