Richmond in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Steam Engines--A Brief History
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 23, 2018
1. Steam Engines--A Brief History Marker
Horse drawn steam fire engines first appeared in the United States in the early 1850's. The steamers pumped 500 to 1,000 gallons of water per minute. They weighed as much as ten tons using three horses to pull them.
Along with the steamers came a very historical event - the beginning of the first paid fire departments. At first fire departments rented horses from livery stables or used any horses that were available at the time of the fire. Eventually large communities realized that it would be to their advantage to have their own teams of well-trained horses ready at all times. The romantic era of the bright steam engines pulled by spirited horses had begun.
The horses used were carefully chosen for their important job. They were matched in size and color so they could pull evenly and also be attractive in appearance. The personality of the horse was another important consideration. There was no place in the service for an easily frightened "Nervous Nellie". Horses were carefully trained and they became as dedicated to their jobs as human firefighters. Retired fire horses were often sold as wagon horses. It sometimes happened that a delivery man would return from an errand to find his retired fire horse and his wagon clattering away after a steamer on its way to a fire!
About the Mural
Thethis page online
The original mural has been replaced by a replica done on a vinyl computerized machine in 2017 by Printall Graphics of Richmond.
Erected 1991 by Richmond Fire Department.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1991.
Location. 42° 48.763′ N, 82° 45.515′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Michigan, in Macomb County. Marker is on Main Street north of Park Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 69465 Main Street, Richmond MI 48062, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Richmond Center for the Performing Arts (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sanford Stone / Weller House (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Donley Farm (approx. 0.2 miles away); Richmond Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Richmond Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); "The Thing" (approx. 5.8 miles away); Walter C. Wetzel State Recreation Area
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 23, 2018
2. Steam Engines--A Brief History Mural and Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 23, 2018
3. Steam Engines--A Brief History Mural and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 177 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 24, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
