Fort Totten in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
331 Pratt Ave.
Constructed in 1892
Original use: Post Fire Engine House
Current use: Fire Prevention Education
Despite being the first Post Fire Engine House, Building 331 displays many characteristics of modern design, with space for equipment on the first level, sleeping quarters on the second floor, and a bell tower projecting up from the roof line. It was erected for the Office of the Quartermaster General during the period of rapid expansion at the Fort at Willets Point.
[Caption:]
The fire engine house was strategically located near the bakery, the original frame commissary, and numerous frame residential structures for quick reaction to fires. It greatly reduced the number of buildings lost to fire at a time when most of the post's structures were still made of wood.
Erected by NYC Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list.
Location. 40° 47.43′ N, 73° 46.413′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Fort
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, the Western Hemisphere, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 332 Pratt Ave. (a few steps from this marker); 309 Pratt Ave. (within shouting distance of this marker); World Trade Center "Survivor Tree" Sprout (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); New York City Fire Department September 11 Memorial (about 400 feet away); 318 Murray Ave. (about 500 feet away); 304 Shore Road (about 500 feet away); 319 Murray Ave. (about 600 feet away); 322 Story Ave. (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queens.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 8, 2025
2. Building 331, the original Post Fire Engine House
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 19, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
