The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was the worst disaster of the 19 th century.
The fire is said to have started one evening in Mrs. O'Leary's bar(牲口棚) on the West Side of Chicago.Several hours after she milked her cow,the cow kicked over an oil lamp,and the fire started. We do not know if the story is true,but we do know that the fire began in a barn on the West Side.
The fire spread quickly because of the wooden buildings,a strong wind,and a dry season. The fire lasted 27 hours and spread to all parts of the city. Other cities sent 25 fire companies to help put out the fire.Federal troops(联邦军队) were also used to help fight the fire and keep order,too. At last rain put out the fire.
There was a lot of damage. 90,000 people were left homeless, and 18,000 buildings were destroyed. Property damage(财产损失) was almost 200 million dollars. In addition, about 300 people died.
People from allover the world helped Chicago by sending food and clothing. Within a month 4,000 cottages(小屋) with two rooms had been built to house people. In a few years,Chicago was completely rebuilt.
【小题1】The best title for this passage is_____________.| A．Mrs.O' Leary's Cow | B．A Terrible Fire | C．An Oil Lamp | D．The Year 1871 |
| A．The West Side. | B．The South Side and the East Side. | C．The North Side. | D．All sides. |
| A．courage | B．fear | C．weakness | D．laziness |
| A．A cow | B．Firemen | C．The weather | D．Carelessness |
| A．Within a month. | B．After a few years | C．After a few months | D．In several hours. |
