The Burning of Chicago, 1880
This is an excellent portrayal of the devastating Chicago Fire of 1871.
In this image are hundreds of Chicagoans trying to flee the heat from the massive fire by going to the waters of Lake Michigan. Shells of burned-out buildings and boats picking up people are visible as well as a unique depiction of onlookers from crowded large pier.
The fire destroyed roughly 3.3 square miles of the city, while leaving more than 100,000 residents homeless which is a massive percentage.