A deathbed confession by Louis Cohn indicated that a craps game may have been behind it, while a theory involving a comet is supported by a similar event occurring the same day in Peshtigo, Wisconsin.
This event is represented by the second star on the flag of the area where it occurred, and Roswell Mason declared martial law and placed Philip Sheridan in charge in its aftermath. A deathbed confession by Louis Cohn indicated that a craps game may have been behind it, while a theory involving a comet is supported by a similar event occurring the same day in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Michael Ahern admitted fabricating the cause of this event, which began on DeKoven Street and notably spared the Water Tower but destroyed the Palmer House. For 10 points, name this 1871 disaster that started at the O'Leary's place, a big conflagration in a Midwestern city.
This event is represented by the second star on the flag of the area where it occurred, and Roswell Mason declared martial law and placed Philip Sheridan in charge in its aftermath.
Great Chicago Fire [accept reasonable equivalents]