Vigilant Firehouse facts for kids
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Vigilant Firehouse
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 Location in Washington, D.C.
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| Location | 1066 Wisconsin Ave., NW., Washington, District of Columbia, USA |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1844 |
| NRHP reference No. | 71001008 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 6, 1971 |
The Vigilant Firehouse is a really old and important building in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C.. You can find it at 1066 Wisconsin Ave., NW, just a bit north of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. This building was first built in 1844. That makes it the oldest fire station still standing in Washington, D.C.!
The Vigilant Fire Company started in 1817. This firehouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This means it's a special building that is protected because of its history.
Engine Company 5, a paid fire company, started here on April 1, 1867. They called themselves "Henry Addison Engine 5." Later, in November 1883, Engine Company 5 moved to a new spot. After that, the old firehouse was used for making things.
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The Vigilants: Early Firefighters
The Vigilants were one of the first private fire companies in Washington, D.C. They formed in 1817. They were the oldest fire company in Georgetown. Their first fire engine was named "The Vigilant." They bought it from John Agnue in Philadelphia.
After some changes in 1848, the company slowly came under government control. It became Georgetown's Fire Company No. 1 in 1867. Then, it became the District of Columbia's Fire Company No. 5 in 1871. In 1868, the company bought what might have been the first steam fire engine in D.C.
Firefighter Fun and Fines
The Vigilant firefighters were known for being a bit wild sometimes. There's a story from around 1840. Some members of the Vigilant and Western Star Companies built a big bonfire. They told another fire company, the Union Company, that a part of town was in danger.
The Union Company rushed to the scene. They were not happy when they found out it was a trick! They got into a fight, and their engines and lamps were broken. Many people were arrested the next day.
It seems the Vigilants could be a handful! At early meetings of the Georgetown Fire Department, you could even get fined for saying the name "Vigilant Fire Company." One rule said, "any member who mentioned the name of the Vigilant Fire Company should be fined 25 cents."
Bush, The Old Fire Dog
There's a special stone tablet on the building. It says, "Bush, the Old Fire Dog, Died of Poison, July 5th 1869, R.I.P."
Bush was a mixed-breed dog with dark brown fur. He was a volunteer with Fire Co. No. 1. He would run with the fire engine to all fires and parades. Everyone who met him liked him.
Sadly, Bush ate something bad on July 4, 1869. Doctors said it was poison. After some pain, he passed away peacefully. He was six years old.
Building History and Design
Before the current building, there was a wooden building on this spot. It was built before 1829. In 1843, this old building was moved across the street. It stayed there until it was taken down in 1964.
The firehouse you see today was built in 1844. It was originally a two-story building. It had one room on each floor. It also had a square wooden tower on top. The front of the building faced the street.
Over time, more parts were added to the building. A two-story shed was built at the back. This was probably used as a stable for horses on the first floor. The second floor was likely for storing hay. Other additions were made to the sides of the building.
On the front of the building, there's a stone that says "Vigilant, Instituted, 1817." Below this, there's a metal "V" shape. This "V" was probably a symbol for the Vigilants. It also helps hold the building together. There's a matching "S" on the back of the building.
After 1883, the building was no longer a firehouse. It was used for making things. For example, it was a bottling factory and then a mattress factory. This continued until about 1970. In 2008, the building was being used as a restaurant.
Images for kids
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The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Monument, located right near the firehouse.
