A Map of the City of Philadelphia Showing the Location of the Volunteer Fire Companies

Celebrating Philadelphia’s frontline defenders against fire.

This beautiful celebration of Philadelphia’s firefighting past was drawn by Jacob Riegel, Jr. and published by the Insurance Company of North America in 1938. A central plan shows the city in 1794, when it was the nation’s capital and about the time when the Insurance Co. of North America was first established (1792).

Over thirty-five different fire and engine houses are identified, though they are noted as being sourced from decades later. Thirty-three historic buildings and locations of interest are also identified in the legend on the left side. The map is surrounded by brightly colored vignettes and illustrated scenes that reflect the development of firefighting in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The distinctive uniforms, badges, and hats of various volunteer firefighting companies can also be seen. They are organized chronologically along the outer border, starting with the Union Fire Company in 1736. Local rivalries between these fiercely independent teams of firemen would persist until 1871, when the first paid department was sworn in.

Source: Fireman’s Hall Museum;