Union Fire Company (1736-1843)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
This first truly volunteer fire company in the US served as a model for others across the nation. Members, including Ben Franklin, purchased tools stored here in Grindstone Alley, helped provide a fire bell, buckets, and an engine for the city, and developed the idea of fire insurance.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In 1736, decades before American independence, a group of Philadelphians led by Benjamin Franklin organized the Union Fire Company — the first genuinely volunteer firefighting brigade in the colonies. Members stored their leather buckets, ladders, and tools here in Grindstone Alley and pledged mutual aid against the constant danger of fire in a crowded colonial city. Their example spread nationwide and helped give rise to the very idea of fire insurance.
Why it matters
This civic experiment in neighbors banding together for common safety became a template for volunteer fire companies across America and pioneered the practice of insuring against disaster.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Paradigm Gallery + Studionearby · 12 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Artnearby · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- United States Postal Service Museum0.1 mi away · 316 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery0.1 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Print Shop0.1 mi away · 320 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fragments of Franklin Court0.1 mi away
Attractions
- First Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.2 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.2 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- Elfreth's Alley0.2 mi away
- Second Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.3 mi away
Food & drink
- PrimoHoagiesnearby · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffeenearby · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Forknearby · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanicsnearby · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
- 3J's Cafenearby · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bubble Tea Roomnearby · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- The Philadelphia Housenearby · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostelsnearby · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphianearby · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.1 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Penn's View Hotel0.1 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- Thomas Bond House0.2 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · Benjamin Franklin
Themes & tags
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