Engine Company No. 11
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
One of 22 fire companies established under the Philadelphia Fire Department in 1871. In 1919, it became a segregated African American unit whose members distinguished themselves through professional service. Desegregated in 1952.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Established in 1871 as one of 22 companies in the new Philadelphia Fire Department, Engine Company No. 11 became a segregated African American unit in 1919. Its firefighters earned distinction through skilled, professional service during more than three decades of enforced separation, until the company was desegregated in 1952. Its history traces the long arc of Black service and the fight against segregation in a major city institution.
Why it matters
The company's story marks both the barriers Black public servants faced and the mid-century movement toward integration in America's cities.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.5 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House0.6 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Congress Hall0.6 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.6 mi away
- Independence Hall0.6 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.7 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Italian market0.3 mi away · Christian Street
- Liberty Bell0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.7 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.7 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.7 mi away
- Carpenters' Hall0.7 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.4 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.4 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.5 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.5 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.5 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters0.5 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Alexander Inn0.3 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.3 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Morris House Hotel0.4 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.4 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.5 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.5 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related events
- · Desegregation of the Philadelphia Fire Department
Themes & tags
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