Oldest Continuously Operating Fire Stations
Before the days of the internet and the world wide web, the claim was made that the Laurel fire station was the oldest, continuously operating fire station in the United States. However, with the resources available to us with today's modern technology, we know that this is not true. The Laurel station is, however, one of the oldest continuously operating fire stations in the United States. Following are links to the known oldest fire stations still operating in the United States:
United Steam Fire Engine Company No. 3, Frederick, Maryland - Currently consisting of several additions and alterations, the facade of the original station building dates to 1848. There is very little of the original station remaining.
Washington Fire Company No. 2, Madison Indiana - Completed in 1850, this simple building is one of the last remaining Greek Revival firehouses in the United States still in use. This is the oldest known continuously operating fire station in the United States. Madison Fire Department web page
Bristol Fire Company, Bristol, Pennsylvania - Built in 1857, this fire station is still in operation, although the fire apparatus is now housed in an addition next to the historic building.
Knickerbocker Steamer No. 1, Waterford, New York - The Company moved into their new, and existing firehouse in 1867.
Central Fire Station, Taunton, Massachusetts - Built in 1869, it is the oldest fire station still in use in Massachusetts. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Taunton Fire Department web page
Engine Company 5, Provincetown, Massachusetts - This firehouse was built in 1870. It was one of several similar engine houses built in that era to expand the fire department.
Shelby Fire Station, Shelby, Ohio - The original firehouse was built in 1872. An additional bay was added on to the station in 1949, which was to be temporary until a new station could be built. In 1976, the City of Shelby added a steel building behind the fire station to house equipment.
Peabody Central Fire Station, Peabody, Massachusetts - Built in 1873, the two story brick building has Victorian styling, with a mansard roof, and two truncated gables on its front facade. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Peabody Fire Department web page
Phoenix Hose, Hook & Ladder Company, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania - Originally built in 1874, the second story of the station was removed in 1973, and the exterior of the building has been covered, this old station still protects Phoenixville.
West Hill Engine 7, Albany, New York - The quarters of Engine 7 was opened in the latter part of 1874 and is the oldest building currently in use by the Department.
Eclipse Co. No. 2, Townsend, Massachussetts - This station at 460 Main Street in West Townsend was built in 1875.
Gorham Street Station, Lowell, Massachusetts - One of two early stations in Lowell, this station was built in 1875.
American Hose Company No. 2, Pottsville, Pennsylvania - Originally organized as the Rough & Ready Fire Company on June 30, 1848. The cornerstone of the station at 323 West Norwegian Street was laid on September 9, 1876.
Torrent Engine House, Lowell, Massachusetts - Known as "The West Point" of the Lowell FD, this station on Branch Street was built in 1877.
Protection Engine Co. 1, Hastings on Hudson, New York - Founded in 1876, Protection Engine Co. 1 has been in this building since built in 1877.
Links About the Station
Rex fire station drawing - York County History Center's online collection includes a Dempwolf architectural drawing of the Rex fire station.
Legeros Fire Blog - Historic Fire Stations of York, PA
Wikipedia page on Laurel-Rex Fire Station
York Town Square blog by Jim McClure
Other Links of Interest