South San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Empire Firehouse

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 25, 2012

1. Empire Firehouse Marker

Inscription. The San Jose Fire Department, initially an intensely dedicated volunteer organization until the hiring of professionals in 1876, was established by a City ordinance in 1854. In that same year, a firehouse was erected on Lightston Street, functioning as the only firehouse in the community until the increased equipment storage space problem called for the construction of another building in 1869. Known as the Empire Firehouse, the new headquarters at 375 Second Street housed Empire #1, San Jose’s first fire engine. For twenty-three years, the Empire Firehouse served the City of San Jose until it was destroyed in a fire that consumed several blocks of the downtown area in July 1892.

Special acknowledgement is gratefully extended to the City of San Jose, the San Jose Firefighters Union, the San Jose Historical Association, the Santa Clara County Buildings and Construction Trades Council and countless individuals for their contributions to this project.

Erected by San Jose Historical Museum Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1892.

Location. 37° 19.235′ N, 121° 51.514′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in South San

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Jose. It can be reached from Phelan Avenue near Senter Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose CA 95112, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Andrew P. Hill House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chiechi House (within shouting distance of this marker); Stevens Ranch Fruit Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Coyote Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Edwin Markham House (within shouting distance of this marker); Gordon House (within shouting distance of this marker); Sakauye Migrant Farm Worker Housing (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Gordon House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

More about this marker. This marker is located in History Park, a part of Kelly Park. Open daily 9-4.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 25, 2012

2. Empire Firehouse Marker

The marker is on the boulder to the right of the firehouse.

Empire Firehouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 25, 2012

3. Empire Firehouse

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 25, 2012

4. Empire Firehouse

Map of History Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer

5. Map of History Park

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 908 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 3, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.