Nebraska City in Otoe County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2021

1. Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This one-of-a-kind museum was built by the Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Department. Opened in 2008, it displays the history and equipment used by those early Nebraska City firefighters. The Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Department is the oldest continuous, organized fire department in Nebraska, it was established in 1856, 11 years before Nebraska became a state.

Fire House No. 2After fire destroyed the original fire station & city offices, the city council wanted to build a smaller building at a different location. After months of heated debate between the Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Department, the City Council, and the community in general, the council agreed to a new two-story building. The facade on the front of the west wing of the museum replicates the design of the second fire station.

Fire House No. 1After years of community discussion, the first Nebraska City Fire Station &, City Hall was completed in 1872. The two-story building was located at 114 North 6th Street. The fire department occupied the lower level with the city hall offices on the second

Marker detail: Fire House No. 2 image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Fire House No. 2

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floor. The facade on the front of the east wing of the museum replicates the design of the first fire station. The building was destroyed by fire in December 1901.

Donated by Carol Randle

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.

Location. 40° 40.611′ N, 95° 51.744′ W. Marker is in Nebraska City, Nebraska, in Otoe County. Marker is on Central Avenue just east of North 14th Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, directly in front of the Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1320 Central Avenue, Nebraska City NE 68410, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Dept. (here, next to this marker); This ELI Windmill (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pioneer Masons of Nebraska Territory (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mother Church of Methodism in Nebraska (approx. 0.2 miles away); First United Methodist Church Original 1855 Wall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mother Church of Nebraska Methodism (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. Mary's (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nebraska City.

Also see . . .

Marker detail: Fire House No. 1 image. Click for full size.

3. Marker detail: Fire House No. 1

Nebraska's Oldest Fire Department.

The Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Department is the oldest fire department still in existence in the State of Nebraska having been first organized as a bucket brigade in 1856 by A. F. Mollring in that portion of the town known as "Kearney Heights." In 1857, the first hook and ladder company was formed and named the "Otoe Hook and Ladder Company Number 1." The company was named after the Otoe Indians who inhabited the area.

(Submitted on April 6, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2021

4. Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting Marker

(looking east along Central Avenue • Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting entrance on left)

Fire House No. 2 Façade image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2021

5. Fire House No. 2 Façade

(west wing of Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting)

Fire House No. 1 Façade image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2021

6. Fire House No. 1 Façade

(east wing of Nebraska City Museum of Firefighting)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 99 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 6, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.