[Archived] Explore Alexandria’s Firefighting History with Walking Tour October 15

October 15 Walking Tour Covers 19^th-Century Blazes, Historic Firehouses

In connection with National Fire Prevention Week, the Friendship Firehouse Museum is offering a new tour exploring Alexandria’s firefighting history on Saturday, October 15. The walking tour, “Blazing a Trail: Alexandria’s Firefighting Past,” begins at 1 p.m. at the Friendship Firehouse, 107 South Alfred Street, in Old Town.

As they walk through Old Town, participants will learn about volunteer firefighting in early Alexandria and stop at historic buildings that once served as fire stations. They will also learn how three major fires devastated Alexandria and discover how the Union occupation during the Civil War affected local firefighting. The tour is scheduled to return to Friendship and end about 2:30 p.m.

Advance reservations are required, as space is limited. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for youth ages 10 to 17. (This history tour will not interest small children but may be of interest to kids 10 and older.) Tickets may be purchased online at www.friendshipfirehouse.net or by calling 703.746.4994.

For more information, visit www.friendshipfirehouse.net.

Photo: Among Alexandria’s 19th-century firehouses is the Columbia Firehouse (right) at 109 South St. Asaph Street. Built in 1883, this historic firehouse is now home to Columbia Firehouse restaurant. Courtesy: Library of Congress.