Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Friendship Firehouse
City of Alexandria Est. 1749
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 30, 2018
The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774 as the first firefighting organization in Alexandria, and their equipment was stored at Market Square. As Alexandria grew, other fire companies formed, and Friendship moved a new firehouse on Alfred Street that survives today as the Friendship Firehouse Museum, one half block south. Volunteers of Friendship, Sun, Relief, Hydraulion and other local fire companies served the city faithfully for decades, particularly during enormous blazes in 1827, 1855, 1871, and 1922. Over time, as buildings grew taller, the old volunteer companies were replaced by a paid professional fire department.
The Friendship Firehouse was built in 1855 and subsequently remodeled in 1871, when a huge steeple was replaced by a lower cupola, topped with a firefighter weathervane. In 1992, the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association gifted the building to the City of Alexandria, and it is now open to the public.
Erected by City of Alexandria.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Disasters. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1774.
Location. 38° 48.319′ N, 77° 2.96′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. Marker is at the intersection of King Street (Virginia Route 7) and South Alfred Street, on the right when traveling east on King Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Barrett Library / Black History Museum (a few steps from this marker); Friendship Fire Company (within shouting distance of this marker); The Alexandria Furniture District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Christ Church (about 400 feet away); Bayne-Fowle House (about 400 feet away); Original Site of Immanuel Lutheran Church (about 500 feet away); Dr. Bernard Stier, O.D. (1930-2005) (about 500 feet away); Site of Alexandria's First Sugar Refinery (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 30, 2018
Also see . . . Friendship Firehouse Museum. (Submitted on April 2, 2018.)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 30, 2018
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 30, 2018
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 225 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 31, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.