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The Eastland disaster brings the Red Cross to people's aid for the first time
A pivotal event in the early days of our chapter, the Eastland Disaster was the first time the people of Chicago looked to the Red Cross for help. On the morning of July 24, 1915, more than 2,500 Western Electric employees boarded the lake passenger steamer Eastland from the Chicago River dock at the Clark Street Bridge for a Michigan City outing. It was supposed to be a day of fun for families, which meant that many children were on board.
Almost immediately, however, the steamer tipped over and sank.
The Eastland disaster was the worst in the city’s history at that time - 844 people lost their lives in a horrific way.
Organized just six weeks before the accident, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago was on the scene within one hour of the tragedy.
The event marked the first disaster response effort of the American Red Cross in Chicago. American Red Cross volunteers led the rescue mission and provided:
- Organization of relief efforts
- Core leadership
- Medical aid
- Counseling for the bereaved
- Coordination with other relief agencies
From that point on, the Red Cross name became associated with a prestigious and professional on-scene relief force and post-crisis stronghold in Chicago. We continue that work today, as we respond to local and national disasters. From home fires to floods, the Red Cross is there for the people across Chicagoland.
Read the full history of the Greater Chicago Chapter.
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