1871 R.H. McDonald’s Map of Chicago with a correct outline of the Great Fire...

1871 R.H. McDonald’s Map of Chicago with a correct outline of the Great Fire...

The Vintage Map Shop, Inc.

Regular price $45.00

Unit price per 

By: R.H. McDonald

Date: 1871 (Published) New York

Original Size: 20 x 16.25 inches (50.8 cm x 41.3 cm)

This is a fine print reproduction of an important early pocket map of Chicago showing in red color the area destroyed by the Great fire of 1871, drawn by Albert L. Rawson.

The original map is scarce, and was created to show the world the destruction left in the path of the fire, which burned from October 8 to October 10, 1871, and destroyed thousands of buildings, killed an estimated 300 people and caused an estimated $200 million in damages. Legend has it that a cow kicked over a lantern in a barn and started the fire, but other theories hold that humans or even a meteor might have been responsible for the event that left an area of about four miles long and almost a mile wide of the Windy City, including its business district, in ruins.

Following the blaze, reconstruction efforts began quickly and spurred great economic development and population growth. According to the Chicago Public Library on-line catalogue the burnt district is incorrectly indicated.

NOTE: The print detail of the original map published in 1871 was not of very high quality. For this reason, some street names may be difficult to read. 

Inventory #10771

About Our Prints

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Our prints are fine art reproductions created from original antique maps and vintage posters in our collection, dating back to over 500 years. Each image is professionally scanned, in some cases digitally restored, and carefully printed to preserve the detail, tone, and character of the original work.

  • Printed from original maps and prints in our collection
  • High-resolution scans for exceptional clarity and detail
  • Produced on premium archival paper for long-lasting quality
  • Rich color and sharp definition suitable for framing
  • Includes a 0.25 inch margin for trimming or matting
  • Made to order and securely packaged for safe delivery

Returns and Exchanges

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Our prints are made to order, so returns and exchanges are handled within a simple 14-day window. If you need to return or exchange a print, we ask that it be sent back in its original, undamaged condition.

  • Returns accepted within 14 days of delivery
  • 25% restocking fee on non-damaged returns
  • Buyer pays return shipping
  • Refunds issued to the original payment method
  • Size exchanges available, with shipping and applicable fees paid by the buyer

Contact Us

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Use the form below to ask questions about our fine print reproductions, give special requests, help us source the right map for you, customize your order, or sell us original maps you own to our sister company, New World Cartographic.
All you have to do is message or call us at (312) 496 - 3622.
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