BOSTON HISTORY BEFORE 1859

This page provides readers with a chronological history of the Boston Fire Department, from the 1600's to 1859. It covers the many significant events, fires, and related information about the fire service in Boston. The Boston Fire Department underwent many organizational structure changes through the years, with the most recent occurring in 1837. In terms of the operations of the Boston Fire Department, the 'modern' department dates from November 1, 1859, when a paid (city employee) firefighting force was established to operate and maintain the newly-invented steam fire engines.

The First Fire Engine in North America, in Boston, in 1678 A law passed by a Special General Court of Massachusetts November 7, 1683. The announcement of a sermon by Cotton Mather, D.D., on the Fire of October 2-3, 1711. A 1760 fire bucket of John Rowe, a Boston Fireward of the 1760-70's. Association and Articles of Agreement of the Sun Fire Society in Boston, 1765 An unissued warning card from the Hancock Engine Company in Boston during the 1770's. List of the Engines and their Locations in 1803 An 1821 Hunneman ad. Hunneman was the preeminent American hand-engine maker. A drawing depicting the Beacon Street Fire of 1824. A City of Boston, Ward 11 (present Chinatown), fire bucket from 1826. Engraving of a Boston hand-engine, circa 1830. An 1832 Notice of The Firemen's Insurance Company, Boston, Thomas C. Amory, President, who also served as Chief Enginner of the Boston Fire Department from 1829 to 1835. An engraving of the (Old) State House Fire of 1832. Bill of Fare for Hancock Engine 10's dinner with Portland, ME, Engine Co. 5, July 30, 1850. Library of Congress plate of Boston Firemen, 1851 The Boston Firemens Address for January 1, 1854 A drawing of the hand apparatus of Tiger Engine Company 7, circa 1855. New York Herald story of a large fire at Gray's Wharf, North End, July 3, 1856.

BOSTON HISTORY BEFORE 1859 Date(s) Activity March 16, 1630(1631) First recorded fire in Boston. The wooden chimney of Thomas Sharp caught fire and burned the house to the ground. 1630(1631) First fire prevention ordinance banned thatched roofs and wooden chimneys. January 14, 1653 Extensive conflagration destroys many buildings, 3 children die. March 1, 1653 Contract made with Joseph Jynks for a water engine to be brought to fire. The engine failed in its first major fire. March 14, 1653 Each owner shall have a ladder and a swab pole. The town to provide 6 long ladders, 4 strong iron hooks and fire buckets. November 27, 1676 5AM Large fire destroys about 45 buildings near Richmond, Hanover and Clark Sts., including the North Meeting House and warehouses January 27, 1678 The first paid (call) municipal fire department organized. Thomas Atkins is the first fire chief, aided by twelve assistants. The first fire engine purchased and a building provided to house fire engine. The engine, imported from England, was lodged in a shed on town land on Queen (now Court) St., near the (then) prison. The First Fire Engine    Town Records naming Thomas Atkins. 1678 Building laws required slate or tyle roofs and brick walls. August 8, 1679 'Fire Engine' in service at a fire that destroyed 150 buildings and several vessels, near the Town Dock on Ann Street. November 7, 1683 A Special General Court of Massachusetts passed a law specifying use of brick or stone for the construction of any structure in the town of Boston. This was passed due to the volume of fires which had destroyed many wood structures over the years. December 18, 1682 The Alms-House on Park Street is burnt, and is later rebuilt on the same site in 1686. 1690 Many buildings burnt on Hanover Street, near Salem Street. June 19, 1691 Many buildings burnt in North Square and on Ann Street. March 11, 1702 A great fire occurred in Dock Square, the fire engine could little to stop its progress. The fire was stopped by blowing-up three warehouses. 1707 Two new fire engines are imported. October 2, 1711 Large fire near (present-day) State and Washington Sts. destroys many buildings, including the Town House, the first Meeting House; 110 families homeless. Four sailors climbed the steeple of the church to save the bell. The stairs burnt away, the roof fell in, and all the sailors were crushed to death. January 1, 1712 Mr. James Pearson appointed overseer of the water engines and in February, 1712 the first Board of Fire Wards was established. John Ballentine, Timothy Clark, John Greenough, Thomas Lee, William Lander, Edward Winslow, Edward Martin, Stephen Minot, Samuel Greenwood and John Pollard were appointed Fire Wards. 1715 Boston had 6 engines in service 1718 First Mutual Fire Society for salvage of member's goods from fires. 1733 Seven hand engines in service, distributed at places like: Court Street; the Dock; the North Watch House; the Town House December 9, 1747 Large fire destroys many buildings, including the Town House at the west end of State Street. 1758 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1759 List of the Firewards in the Town. November 14, 1759 A large fire burnt over 20 buildings on Water Street and Milk Street. March 20, 1760 The first Great Fire of Boston destroyed 349 buildings, both dwellings and businesses; 220 families homeless. It burnt along Washington Street, extended to Long Wharf and Fort Hill, burning one large ship and 8/9 smaller ships, and the Quaker Meeting House on Congress Street. March 24, 1760 Thomas Pownall, the governor of the province of 'Massachusetts Bay in New England' issued a proclamation regarding the fire of March 20, 1760. Proclamation 1760 List of the Firewards in the Town, and other Matters. May 1, 1760 The York Fire Club is founded.  Fire Club Rules and Orders. 1761 List of the Firewards in the Town, and other Matters. 1762 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1763 List of the Firewards in the Town. October, 1763 The Anti-Stamp Fire Society is founded. (printed in 1765) Fire Society Rules and Orders. 1764 List of the Firewards in the Town. May 8, 1765 The Sun Fire Society is founded. 1765 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1766 List of the Firewards in the Town, and other Matters. May 25, 1767 The Friendship-Society (Fire) is founded. 1767 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1768 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1769 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1770 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1771 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1772 List of the Firewards in the Town, and other Matters. September 1, 1772 The Union Fire-Club is founded. Rules&Orders & Members List. November 25, 1772 The Union (Fire) Society is founded. March 5, 1773 The Relief Fire Society is founded. 1773 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1774 List of the Firewards in the Town. May 7, 1774 A fire caused by artillery burnt thirty buildings, some of which contained food donated to the inhabitants of Boston, which under seige by British garrisons. 1775 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1776 List of the Firewards in the Town. November, 1776 The Anti-Stamp Fire Society Rules and Orders are updated, with a list of members.   Updated Rules and Orders. 1777 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1778 List of the Firewards in the Town, and other Matters. December 2, 1783 The Assistant Fire Society is founded. December 4, 1783 The Friendly Fire Society is founded. February 5, 1785 The Amicable Fire Society in formed in Boston. April 20, 1787 A large fire destroys the Hollis Street Meeting House (Church) and 80-100 other buildings on Boston Neck (near present-day Washington & Kneeland Sts.). Story and map of Fire (off-site) October, 1787 The New Relief Fire Society is founded. 1789 "A List of the Names and places of Abode, of all the Men belonging to the different Engines in the town." The 1789 List published in 1852 The 1789 List published in 1904 1790 List of the Captains of the Engines and Firewards in 1790 January 13, 1791 A large fire started north of Faneuil Hall, burnt eastward comsuming all buildings, including Faneuil Hall itself, which had been a gift to the town of Boston from Peter Faneuil on September 10, 1742. March 21, 1792 The Franklin Fire Society is founded. First Page of Rules November 25, 1792 The Union Fire Society is founded. 1792 The Massachusetts Charitable Fire Society is founded. 1793 The Massachusetts Charitable Fire Society is organized. June 25, 1794 The Massachusetts Charitable Fire Society is incorporated. Constitution, Government in 1794 & Subscribers of the Society. July 30, 1794 Large fire destroys 7 ropewalks and 90 other buildings. Ten fire engines in service. Boston City Council Report of the fire. 1795 Massachusetts Fire Insurance Company incorporated. 1796 24 Fire Societies exist, about 30 persons in each. Each member required to have 2 leather buckets, 2 strong bags, a bed key and to respond quickly to fires. List of the Firewards in the Town. 1797 List of the Firewards in the Town. November 19, 1797 The Alert Fire Society is formed. 1798 Massachusetts Mutual Fire Insurance Company incorporated, includes Paul Revere. 1799 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1799 First leather fire hose imported from England. 1800 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1801 List of the Firewards in the Town. December 21, 1801 The New Century Fire Society is founded. 1802 List of the Firewards in the Town. January 15, 1803 The museum at the corner of Tremont & Bromfield Streets is destroyed by fire. Flames were reported to have seen seen from as far away as Portsmouth, NH, a distance of sixty miles. Newspaper story January, 1803 The Attentive Fire Society is founded. 1804 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1805 1805 City Directory listing Fire Wards of the town 1806 List of the Firewards in the Town, and other matters. January 12, 1807 The Vigilant Fire Society is formed in Boston. January 16, 1807 Bowen & Doyles' museum on Tremont Street is destoyed, with a number of young men being crushed to death by a falling brick wall. 1807 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1808 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1809 April 9, 1810 The Attentive Fire Society is formed in Boston. 1810 List of the Firewards in the Town. January, 1811 The Philanthropic Fire Society is formed in Boston. January, 1811 The Conservative Society - A Fire Club, is formed in Boston. 1811 List of the Firewards in the Town. May, 1811 The Argus Fire Society is founded. 1812 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1813 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1814 List of the Firewards in the Town. March, 1815 The Alert Relief Fire Society is formed. It is a union of the New Relief Fire Society (October 1787) and the Alert Fire Society (November 19, 1797). 1815 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1816 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1818 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1819 List of the Firewards in the Town. 1820 List of the Firewards in the Town. August 4, 1820 First Ladder Company (Ladder 1) organized at Friend Street @ Warren Square. 1821 List of the Firewards in the Town, and other matters. February 22, 1822 The City Fire Society is founded. 1822 List of the Firewards in the Town, and other matters. May 1, 1822 The City of Boston is incorporated. July 7, 1824 An accidental fire occurred in a carpenter's shop on Charles Street, between Beacon and Chestnut Streets. With the wind at fifty miles-per-hour, a large fire quickly involved many buildings. This was Boston's most up-scale residential area and Boston Common quickly became a haven for saved possessions. The fire consumed sixteen buildings in all. Story from the 'Fireman's Own Book'. April 17, 1825 A fire started in a wood building on Doane Street and later burnt six stores/houses on State Street and the entire east side of Kilby Street. In total, about sixty building were destroyed. November 10, 1825 Fire destroyed a building on Court Street, and later destroyed nine brick buildings on both sides of Court Street up to Washington Street. 1825 Destructive fire (11/10/1825) causes the abolishment of the Board of Fire Wards and establishes a Chief Engineer. Narrative of the Reorganization January 7, 1826 List of the Firewards in the Town and other matters. February 18, 1826 Samuel D. Harris, Chief Engineer List of the Members of the Fire Department April 29, 1826 Mayor Josiah Quincy signs the order establishing a fire department in the city of Boston. 1827 1827 - 1st Annual Report of the Chief Engineer 1827 - An Act for the protection of Boston against fire. June 19, 1828 The Charitable Association of the Boston Fire Department is instituted. 1829 BFD Engineers in 1829 1829 Thomas C. Amory, Chief Engineer 1830 1830 - 4th Annual Report of the Chief Engineer (Original) 1830 - 4th Annual Report of the Chief Engineer (Reconstructed) 1832 1832 List of BFD Engineers. November 21, 1832 Serious fire partially destroys the Old State House on State Street. (See engraving in left column.) 1833 Constitution of the Veteran Association of the Boston Fire Department 1834 1834 List of BFD Engineers. 1835 1835 List of BFD Engineers. 1836 William Barnicoat, Chief Engineer 1836 List of BFD Engineers. 1837 Present fire department organized. June 11, 1837 The Broad Street (present-day Atlantic Avenue at South Station) Riot occurred at the quarters of Engine No. 20. The fire company on East Street had just returned from a large fire in Roxbury when members scuffled with a a passing funeral procession. News spread fast and other fire companies arrived, as well as more procession supporters. Nearly one thousand people were involved in the fighting. It continued to 7PM, until many arrests were made, and before the militia arrived at the scene. 1838 1838 Annual Report of the Fire Department. January 24, 1839 A fire broke out at Turner & Haskill's foundry on Haverhill Street. The fire would consume about twenty buildings. The night was extremely cold and many fireman were severely frost-bitten. 1839 1839 Annual Report of the Fire Department. 1841 1841 Annual Report of the Fire Department. 1842 1842 Annual Report of the Fire Department. 1843 1843 Annual Report of the Fire Department. 1844 1844 Annual Report of the Fire Department. September 14, 1845 The Suffolk Lead Works on Gold Street, South Boston is destroyed by fire. Five building in the Works are lost along with six houses destroyed and many others damaged. 1845 1845 Annual Report of the Fire Department. 1847 1847 Annual Report of the Fire Department. 1847 Directory/Almanac 1848 1848 Fire Dept. Organization 1849 1849 - 12th Annual Report of the Chief Engineer (off-site) 1849 Directory/Almanac November 5, 1849 A conflagration took place on Causeway Street within an area containing railway storehouses and a mahogany warehouse. 1850 Fire Department officials. July 8, 1851 Chief Engineer Barnicoat announces the nomination of officers for several fire companies. Newspaper story 1851 1851 Directory/Almanac February 12, 1852 Hoseman John Smith, Hydrant Co. 2, suffers a Line Of Duty Death (LODD) at a fire in the rear of 24 Kingston Street, Downtown. Newspaper story 1852 First municipal Fire Alarm System in the world is installed. February 6, 1852 The Chief Engineer reports to the City Council. Newspaper story April 29, 1852 First 'Alarm of Fire' is transmitted over alarm circuits. July 12, 1852 A large building fire starts in a stable on Purchase St., Downtown. Many buildings are destroyed. This is reported to be the largest fire in Boston in many years. Story of the fire (off-site) 1852 1852 Directory/Almanac 1854 Elisha Smith, Chief Engineer 1854 City Auditor Report June 29, 1854 Newspaper story on the Hunneman Fire Engine Manufactory. Newspaper Story 1855 1855 City Register    1855 Almanac/Directory    1855 City Auditor Report April 29, 1855 A waterfront conflagration occurs at Battery Wharf, North End. Story of the fire (off-site). 1856 George W. Bird, Chief Engineer 1856 - 19th Annual Report of the Chief Engineer 1856 Almanac/Directory     City Auditor Report April 12, 1856 Large building fire destroys the 'Gerrish Market' at Portland, Friend & Sudbury Sts., Downtown. Story of the fire (off-site) July 3, 1856 Large fire destroys Gray's Wharf, off Commercial Street, North End. July 29, 1856 Large fire destroys the Jefferson Block on North Street, near Clark Street, North End. Ladderman Charles Warren of Hook & Ladder 3 was crushed by falling walls, resulting in a Line-Of-Duty (LODD) death. Newspaper story September 17, 1856 The First Annual Parade of the Boston Fire Department occurs, finishing with the dedication of a statue to Benjamin Franklin. Parade Announcement and Order of Procession November 26, 1856 Newspaper story on the funeral of former Chief Engineer Elisha Smith. Story 1857 1857 - 20th Annual Report of the Chief Engineer 1857 City Auditor Report   1857 Almanac 1858 1858 Directory/Almanac Hibernia Engine Co. (Philadelphia) visit to Boston in 1858 May 2, 1858 Building fire destroys a building on Federal Street, Downtown, resulting in four deaths, including 2 firemen: Francis Cutting and Frank Tuttle of Tremont Engine Co. 12. Both are the first firemen to be buried at the 'Fireman's Lot' at Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain. Story of the fire (off-site) 1859 Steamers replace hand engines. Permanent engineers, drivers, and firemen appointed. Horses are needed to pull the heavy steam fire engines. The 'modern' era of the Boston Fire Department begins. To find the historical development of early BFD companies, see the chart below. Fire company numbers have been reused, e.g. Engine 3, through successive reorganizations. Engine 1 Engine 2 Engine 3 Engine 4 Engine 5 Engine 6 Engine 7 Engine 8 Engine 9 Engine 10 Engine 11 Engine 12 Engine 13 Engine 14 Engine 15 Engine 16 Engine 17 Engine 18 Engine 19 Engine 20 Engine 21 Ladder 1 Ladder 2 Ladder 3