The Nashville Fire Department Part I (1806-1912)

Judi Wells Collection-African American Fire Company, undated  Courtesy of Metro Nashville Government Archives.

By: Tom Vickstrom

The Nashville Fire Department of today, like those in most municipalities, can trace its evolution to the influences of technology, population, building materials and methods,  government safety codes, and experience.  One aspect that has remained constant throughout is the fine character and bravery, the teamwork, and the dedication of the firemen.

In 1806 when Nashville was incorporated the fire fighters were volunteers.  Their valor was turbo-charged with a sense of rivalry.  A Degree of Honor was awarded to any member of a fire company who reached the engine house first for three consecutive times when the alarm of a fire was given.  At this time, water to douse the flames was conveyed by leather buckets holding about three gallons each, one bucket being hung outside each building.

In 1820 Nashville purchased its first fire apparatus, which cost $750, and was pulled to a fire by men hauling ropes. It was about eight feet in length and was connected to a box holding 180 gallons of water that was hand-supplied by buckets.  Eight men operated the pumping arms which could shoot a stream of water sixty feet through a three-fourths inch nozzle.  Soon a suction-fed version became available. The first two fire engines were given the names of The Cheatham (mayor)and The Rooster, and when called upon, generated a healthy rivalry between the firemen for first arrival on the scene. 

By 1858 the volunteers still operated the fire department, which by then was organized into five companies.  Early firehoses were made of leather, with copper riveted seams and with the hoses coated with grease to preserve flexibility.  It was not until the 1880s–1890s when rubber‑lined, cotton-woven hoses came into use.

“In 1856 a large fire occurred on the square the night of March 15th, by which thirteen houses were destroyed.  Black Bob’s Tavern, a notable place for politicians, was among those destroyed.  Another destructive fire occurred the same year on July 8th which destroyed eight buildings, including the Masonic Hall.  During the following year the courthouse was destroyed, as was also the old Nashville Inn.   In 1859 the steamer “Quaker City” burned at the wharf.  This boat was loaded with nitrate of potash and on contact with water made heavy explosions.  On April 9, 1860, a large fire occurred on Union Street with a loss of $30,000, and on May 21 the St. Cloud Hotel burned.”     By 1860 the citizens of Nashville had become greatly concerned over loss of human life and property from fires and demanded a paid fire department, a sentiment that local newspapers editorials heartily endorsed. 

Quoting here from Reminiscences and History of Nashville Fire Department, “The first steam fire engine was bought in 1859 and it was named the “Hamilton” in honor of a prominent hardware merchant of the day.  Soon after, two more machines were bought and were named “Eclipse” and “Deluge.”  Each were drawn by four horses, the driver riding one of the horses going to the fire. In the following year a Hook and Ladder Company was added to the fire service. The staffing of a steam engine crew was comprised of two pipe men, one fireman, one driver, two hose men, and one driver.  Each company also included three runners who provided 24/7 coverage.

Nashville installed its first fire alarm telegraph system in 1875, providing a vast upgrade over the customary practice of signaling danger - ringing a bell.  Nashville’s largest fire bell was probably the one that hung at the courthouse, weighing 2,100 pounds.

Sources:

Wooding, Thomas Voln, “Reminiscences and History of Nashville Fire Department”, Nashville

Russell, George R., “Nashville Fire Department Commemorative History Book”, Walsworth Publishing Company, Marceline, Missouri, 1997

Meyers, Frank and Gennie, “Nashville Fire Department – Then and Now, Walsworth Publishing Company, Marceline, Missouri, 1975

Hall, Gordon and Maretha, “Fire! On The Scene In Nashville”, The Overmountain Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, 1991