Mrs. Leary's Cow: A Legend of Chicago

Mrs. Leary's Cow: A Legend of Chicago is a satirical poem by C. C. Hine, first published in 1872, shortly after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The poem humorously attributes the fire's origin to a cow owned by Mrs. Leary, who accidentally knocked over a lamp, leading to widespread destruction. Through whimsical verses and illustrations, Hine explores themes of insurance, loss, and societal reactions to disaster, blending tragedy and humor while reflecting on the complexities of human nature in times of crisis.