The O'Leary Family is a well-known family in American history, particularly associated with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The family's patriarch, Patrick O'Leary, and his wife, Catherine O'Leary, owned a barn where the fire is believed to have started. This incident led to widespread destruction in Chicago and significantly impacted urban fire safety regulations. The O'Leary family has been the subject of various myths and stories over the years, often unfairly blamed for the fire. Despite this, they played a role in the city's recovery and rebuilding efforts. The family's legacy continues to be a topic of interest in discussions about Chicago's history.