Have you heard of the Friendship Firehouse? The Friendship Fire Company was established in 1774, and the historic firehouse still standing in Alexandria was built in 1855. This site has since been transformed into the Friendship Firehouse Museum.

An Evening Star article published in 1943 recounts how the Alexandria Fire Company was founded by local citizens, including George Washington, and notes that its famous fire engine had been placed on display at the Druid Hill Park Museum in Baltimore. More than a decade later, in 1953, the Evening Star reported that Alexandria was seeking the return of the historic engine.

During World War II, the building was reportedly loaned to the fire company to house a replica of the original Friendship fire engine. Around the same time, the Alexandria City Council requested that the property be returned so it could be converted into offices for the school board.

If you want to learn more, attend the Friendship Firehouse Festival on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is free to attend on the 100 block of S. Alfred St. and will feature live music, local crafts, and kid-friendly activities.

Dive more into the history of the Friendship Fire Company. Peek inside the museum.