08/21/2025
158 years ago today, much of downtown Plattsburgh was in flames. On August 21st, 1867, the disastrous "Great Fire" consumed some 70 buildings before it was finally put out, one of the largest calamities in the city's history. Battling the raging inferno that day was the "hand pumper" seen in this amazing 1925 photograph, giving us a rare glimpse of one of Plattsburgh's earliest fire engines!! Bought second hand from a fire company in New York City, the rig was purchased by the village of Plattsburgh all the way back in 1840! Though it had originally been called "The Eagle," after its arrival, the engine was re-named "The Phoenix" and it was quickly found that the village's new purchase had been a good one. Even though the apparatus was used, about 19 years old at the time, it was found to be far superior to anything in this part of the country at that time. With a well-trained crew, the Phoenix could easily throw a 3/4-inch stream of water over 100 feet and was capable of drawing its own water through an equal distance of hose. She would safeguard the citizens of Plattsburgh for three decades, including battling the great fires of 1849 and again in 1867. Her last call to action here was in 1870, when the Phoenix saved a barn and some sheds on Bridge Street. After sitting un-used for the next 25 years, the old engine was donated to the "Volunteer Fireman's Home" in Hudson, New York, where she was used to protect the grounds, manned by a team of its residents. This photograph was taken there in 1925, and shows the Phoenix after a career spanning nearly 100 years, along with her equally aged crew of retirees. Afterwards, the veteran engine was placed on display under her original name "Eagle," and remains there still today! After some diligent research following old paper trails, our staff was able to locate the Phoenix about 10 years ago and fill in many blanks regarding her service history. Truly an amazing survivor!
