Events Calendar

Civil War Firefighting Walking Tour on October 13

U.S. Fire Department, fire fighters and steam fire engines in front of the Alexandria, Virginia fire department which was taken over by Union forces in early 1863. (Photo: Library of Congress)

Head to the Friendship Firehouse Museum on Saturday, October 13, and explore Alexandria’s Civil War firefighting history on the “We’ve Been Burned:  Alexandria Firefighters During the Civil War” tour. It will be from 11 – 1 p.m. and starts at 107 South Alfred Street.

When Virginia joined the Confederacy, Union troops occupied Alexandria and most municipal functions were assumed by the U.S. Army.  The walking tour explores firefighting during the occupation.  How were volunteer fire companies treated by Federal authorities?  Were firefighters allowed out after curfew?  What happened to the firehouses?   These questions will be answered as participants visit sites of four of the five fire houses, and learn what happened if there was a fire during this turbulent time.

The “We’ve Been Burned:  Alexandria Firefighters During the Civil War” tour is for ages 10 and older. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 ages 10-17.  Reservations are required, as space is limited. Purchase tickets at the online shop at www.shop.alexandriava.gov or by calling 703.746.4994 or 707.746.3891.

 

Mary Wadland

Mary Wadland is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of The Zebra Press, founded by her in 2010. Originally from Delray Beach, Florida, Mary is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hollins College in Roanoke, VA and has lived and worked in the Alexandria publishing community since 1987.

Related Articles

Back to top button