TODAY IN HISTORY

1871

The Great Chicago Fire starts, supposedly when a cow kicks over a lantern in a barn. Most of the city is razed.

1908

The House of Representatives conducts a fresh ballot on possible sites for the federal capital, supporting Yass-Canberra, 39 to 33.

1977

The Tasman Bridge in Hobart reopens, two-and-a-half years after the Lake Illawarra tragedy.

1995

A huge earthquake hits the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, killing at least 100.

2006

Race driver Mark Porter dies after suffering massive injuries in a crash at Mount Panorama while preparing for the Bathurst 1000.

2017

David Reynolds wins the Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama after a rain- soaked marathon with an electric finish.