MARIETTA, Ga. – Marietta’s fire department traces its origins to 1854, following a fire that destroyed the town square.
Since the department’s inception more than 155 years ago, firefighting has changed immeasurably. The story of fighting fires over the past two centuries – from bucket brigades to pumper and ladder trucks – is on display at the Marietta Fire Museum.
One of the highlights of the museum is an 1879 horse-drawn Silsby steamer, which is nicknamed “Aurora.” The unit is said to be one of only five of its kind still in existence.
The horse-drawn steamer remained in service until 1921 when it was replaced by an American LaFrance Pumper, also on display in the museum. The pumper is famous for being one of the first motorized fire vehicles in North Georgia.
Also on display are a 1929 Seagrave pumper, a 1949 Pirsch ladder truck and a 1952 Chevrolet panel truck.
In addition to the fire vehicles, a number of antique helmets, firefighting accessories and a “Wall of Flame” featuring photos of some of the city’s larger fires from over the years are on display.
