1849, June 5th, Woman Sets Fire to the Watch House, Chicago.

A deranged woman who had been wandering about the streets, followed by a troop of thoughtless boys and heartless fellows, was confirmed Monday night in the Watch House [1]. As she said, she set fire to it in order to get out. It is a pity, indeed, if there is no more appropriate place in the city for a poor lunatic than a Watch House.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

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[1] A Watch House in 1840s Chicago was a small, wooden building that housed the city's night watchmen. The watchmen patrolled the streets at night to prevent crime and fires. They would also respond to any emergencies that arose.

Two State & Lake Street Stables Burn in February, 1853, Chicago.

Early in the evening, the city was generally startled by the cry of fire, and the eastern part was soon illuminated. The first impression was that the Tremont [Hotel] was on fire, but it proved to be two stables on State Street between Water and Lake Streets.

The firemen were quickly on the spot, and the flames were soon extinguished. Three horses were burned. Property loss was slight, as the buildings were small and [in] poor [shape].

The barn was owned by P. Coffee.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.