In 1903, the Iroquois Theatre opened in Chicago, IL. It was designed to be the most magnificent “temple of the drama.” It was advertised as being fireproof. On December 30, 1903, the audience members attending the matinee show of Mr. Bluebeard would learn the truth of this fireproofing. It was just a spark at first, but it spread quickly. Soon, the whole theater was on fire, and all 1,924 audience members plus 500 performers and stage crew members were panicking and trampling over each other to get out of the building. In all, 602 people lost their lives that day. The surrounding community came together to help in any way they could.
Today, the Iroquois Theatre is gone and another theater stands in its place. This theater is said to be haunted. People have heard whispers in the alleyway behind the building and seen full body apparitions in the balconies during performances.
Join Hannah and Lainey as they discuss fire extinguishers, identifying your significant other by only their ring, and the incredible support of Chicagoans during and after this tragic event.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of burn victims, death by trampling, and child deaths. Listener discretion is advised.
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Sources:
CBS Chicago, “Chicago Hauntings: The Horrors Of The Iroquois Theater Fire That Killed 602 People Downtown In 1903, And Stories About Ghosts Left Behind” - CBS News, 2021.
Nat Brandt, Chicago Death Trap: The Iroquois Theatre Fire of 1903 - Southern Illinois University Press, 2003.
“The Iroquois Theatre Fire” - Windy City Ghosts, 2025.
