Riverfront in Wilmington in New Hanover County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
City of Wilmington Fire Stations
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023
1. City of Wilmington Fire Stations Marker
For over 150 years this site was continuously occupied by City of Wilmington Fire Stations. The first station was constructed in 1846 by the Howard Relief Company, a volunteer fire company. Successor headquarters stations were constructed in 1886, 1907, and 1955. The bell from the 1886 station and the cornerstone from the 1907 station are displayed in an outdoor exhibit on the corner of Market and Eighth Streets adjacent to the new fire headquarters station which was opened in 1999.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 34° 14.093′ N, 77° 56.682′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in Riverfront. It is on South 4th Street south of Market Street (Business U.S. 17), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 South 4th Street, Wilmington NC 28401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and on the Cape Fear Coast. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: E. Payson Willard House (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Hanby House (within shouting distance of this marker); Huggins House (within shouting distance of this marker); Howard Hanby House (within shouting distance of this marker); Baldwin House
this page online
Also see . . . History of the Wilmington Fire Department. City website entry:
Wilmington's first firefighters were groups of volunteers who organized for their own protection. The first group, called the "Wilmington Hook and Ladder Company", organized in 1846. On December 1, 1897 the regular full-time paid fire department was inaugurated. The department consisted of thirty men, three steam fire engines, three hose reels and one hook and ladder truck. Over the years, the fire department has grown with the City. Today, the department consists of 200+ professional firefighters and staff. There are currently nine fire stations strategically placed throughout the City to insure rapid response to fire and emergency medical calls.(Submitted on June 20, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023
2. City of Wilmington Fire Stations Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023
3. City of Wilmington Fire Stations Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,023 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 20, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
