1857, May 10th, American Transportation Company's Chicago Warehouse Fire.

At about half past four o'clock, the large warehouse of the American Transportation Company, on Market Street between Washington and Madison Streets, was discovered to be on fire. The firemen were promptly on the ground and did excellent service, but before the flames could be subdued, the roof of the central building, a portion of the second floor and the front were nearly destroyed. Most of the windows were also broken out. 

There were but few goods in the building, those remaining unclaimed from last Fall's business, the greater portion of which were burned or badly damaged by water. The building was injured to the extent of some $2,000 and is uninsured. The damage to the goods is from $3,000 to $4,000, and probably a portion of them was insured by the persons who owned them. 

It is not known in what portion of the building the fire broke out, but from the fact that there was no fire in the building for two or three days past, it is supposed it was fired by an incendiary. Immediate measures are being taken to have the building repaired, and everything will be ready again in a short time.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.