Prairie Farmer
Prairie Farmer (1841 - Present), published in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the oldest agricultural publications in the United States. Initially launched as The Union Agriculturist and Western Prairie Farmer by John Stephen Wright (1815 - 1874), it aimed to provide practical information and advocacy for Midwestern farmers. Over the decades, it grew in influence, offering a mix of farming techniques, industry news, and rural lifestyle content, adapting to the changing needs of its readership. Wright actively managed the newspaper until 1856, when he hired an editor and turned his business interests elsewhere. During the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Prairie Farmer's offices in central Chicago were destroyed, but some printing tools, a subscriber list, and back issues were saved, allowing the editors to continue their operations and even meet publication deadlines for their next issue, just days after the event. The Prairie Farmer played a crucial role in advancing agricultural education and innovation, supporting the development of modern farming practices. Today, it continues to serve as a vital resource for the agricultural community, maintaining its legacy of support and information for farmers.
'The World has never before so lighted up as by the billows of fire that enwrapt doomed Chicago on the dread night of October 9th.'
The Prairie Farmer / First Map Issued Showing the District Burned by the Great Chicago Fire Oct. 8 9 and 10, 1871.
$6,500.00
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- Digital Map Information
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This is the October 14, 1871 (vol 41) issue of the Prairie Farmer containing the first published map of the Great Chicago Fire. This elusive issue was published just days after the fire, wherein the Prairie Farmer building was burnt to the ground. (more details)