His new company , Whitcomb Mining and Manufacturing Company , was engaged in production of coal mining machinery and coal field development to supply the railroads . In 1871 , the disastrous Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of the central city . The offices of the company were relocated to the corner of LaSalle and Adams Street in the Loop area of downtown Chicago . The Schlosser Block , where the company offices were located , was a four story impressive granite faced building , just doors from the famed " Rookery " building by the architects Burnham and Root . These were heady days in Chicago . A rebirth swept the city after the fire and it was a time for men with ideas and dreams to seize potential
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
George Dexter Whitcomb