Moo or Myth: Chicago's Legendary Cow
The tale of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow and the infamous lantern spread nearly as fast as the flames of one of America’s greatest disasters. On the evening of Sunday, October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began in the O’Leary family’s barn—but who, or what, sparked the blaze? Historians agree on the location, but not the cause. Did the cow truly kick over the lantern, or is this enduring story more folklore than fact? We’ll let you decide. Regardless, this pivotal event reshaped the city, laying the foundation for the Chicago we know today.
Fast-forward to the late 1990s, when cows once again took center stage in Chicago’s story—this time as a celebrated public art installation. In the summer of 1999, inspired by Switzerland’s “Cow Parade,” Chicago businessman Peter Hanig and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Lois Weisberg brought a bold and whimsical idea to life: a citywide art exhibit featuring fiberglass cows, each uniquely decorated by local artists and displayed across Chicago.
Hanig’s vision was simple—spark joy and support the local community. Businesses could sponsor a cow for $3,500, with $1,000 allocated to an artist selected from a city-curated roster. Once completed, the artful bovines appeared in unexpected corners of the city, delighting passersby for several months before being auctioned off, with proceeds donated to charity.
Though the premise was playful, the impact was profound. By midsummer, over 330 cows adorned the city streets, showcasing everything from tributes to the “L” train and Marilyn Monroe to one particularly poetic bovine at Columbia College emblazoned with “HOW” and “NOW.” Word spread quickly, drawing more than 2 million visitors. When the cows were finally auctioned off in October, they shattered expectations—raising nearly $3.5 million, far surpassing the original estimate of $328,000.
Kitty O’Shea’s legendary cow stands proudly by the doors of Hilton Chicago—a tribute to the city’s rich history and resilience after the Great Chicago Fire, and a cheerful emblem of the joy and community spirit that continue to define the city.
Visit Kitty O’Sheas to see Hilton Chicago’s iconic cow statue for yourself, as well as to enjoy traditional Irish fare and a pint at one of Chicago’s most coveted Irish pubs. Kittys is open daily, Monday – Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 am.
