Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Creole Firehouse #1

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 26, 2015

1. Creole Firehouse #1 Marker

Inscription. This two-story brick structure was built in 1869 with James H. Hutchisson as architect to house the first volunteer fire company in Mobile. The company was founded in 1819. As descendants of the French, Spanish and Africans, the Creoles formed their own schools, churches and owned businesses. The fire company was the center of local Creole society. The company remained at this location until 1926.

Erected by The African-American Heritage Trail of Mobile. (Marker Number 13.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail of Mobile series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 30° 41.387′ N, 88° 3.044′ W. Marker is in Mobile, Alabama, in Mobile County. It is at the intersection of North Dearborn Street and St Francis Street, on the right when traveling south on North Dearborn Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13 North Dearborn Street, Mobile AL 36602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Alabama’s Gulf Coast

and in Mobile Bay.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

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: Dr. Thomas N. Harris (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John L. LeFlore (about 300 feet away); Dr. H. Roger Williams

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(about 400 feet away); St. Louis Street Missionary Baptist Church (about 600 feet away); The Convent of Mercy (about 600 feet away); Bettie Hunter House (about 700 feet away); Shaarai Shomayim (about 700 feet away); Andrew N. Johnson (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mobile.

Regarding Creole Firehouse #1. The two-story brick structure with arched central bay and full height second floor windows was built to house the Creole #1 Fire Company. The fire company was absorbed into the city department in 1888 and finally disbanded in 1970. It is said that the Creole #1 was usually the first to get to the fire because they bought rejected race horses, including Jack, the horse who could follow his nose straight to the fire. Horse drawn equipment was used until 1924. The company remained in the Dearborn Street house until the Central Fire Station was built in 1926. The old fire station is now a private residence. The fireman's pole is still installed and usable.

Creole Firehouse #1 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 26, 2015

2. Creole Firehouse #1

Creole Firehouse #1 garages. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 26, 2015

3. Creole Firehouse #1 garages.

Mobile Historic Development Commission marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 26, 2015

4. Mobile Historic Development Commission marker.

Intersection of North Dearborn and St Francis Streets. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 26, 2015

5. Intersection of North Dearborn and St Francis Streets.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,199 times since then and 88 times this year. Last updated on July 28, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.