Virginia City in Storey County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Eagle Engine Co. No.3
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 30, 2014
1. Eagle Engine Co. No.3 Marker
At his location was the Eagle Engine Co.No.3. After organizing in August of 1863, Eagle Engine Co. No.3 purchased a Jeffers hand-pumped fire engine for $3,700 from San Francisco's Vigilante Engine Co. No.9, and initially housed the 4,000 pound engine in a B Street building housing the city clerk's office, police courtroom and trustees' meeting room. In 1869, the company moved further south on B Street, but by 1872 was building its own new firehouse.
On May 27, 1872, the engine was "housed" in the new hall on the west side of B Street just south of the Water Company office. Later that year a 623-pound fire bell was mounted on the structure. In April of 1875, Eagle Engine Co. No.3 purchased a new Babcock chemical extinguisher weighing 4,650 pounds, with two 75-gallon tanks and 300-feet of hose. The chemical extinguisher was first on scene of the Great Fire of October 26, 1875, but had little effect on the wind-driven fire that was to consume 33-square blocks including the hall of the Eagle Engine Co. No.3. The Babcock was cut off and heavily damaged during the fire and later returned to the sales agent, the company defaulting on the payment.
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Erected 2009 by Comstock Fireman's Museum abd Comstock Mining, and Rich and Zoe Connell. (Marker Number 48.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Notable Events. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1875.
Location. 39° 18.6′ N, 119° 39.037′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County. Marker is on B Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 130 South B Street, Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Virginia & Gold Hill Water Company (here, next to this marker); The Crystal Bar (within shouting distance of this marker); Dowling's Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Banner Brothers Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Fire of 1875 (within shouting distance of this marker); Storey County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of California (within shouting distance of this marker); William Sharon (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 30, 2014
2. Eagle Engine Co. No.3 Marker
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 30, 2014
3. Eagle Engine Co. No.3 Marker
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 30, 2014
4. Photo Displayed on Marker
The lads of the Eagle Engine No.3 turned out for a Company photo
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 30, 2014
5. The Virginia and Gold Hill Water Company
The marker is seen mounted on the front of the small building on the left.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2014, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 412 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 4, 2014, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
