This bell is the remaining symbol of the leap made by city leaders to establish and equip a professional firefighting force after the Great Seattle Fire of June 6, 1889. On that day, the young metropolis of Seattle was devastated by flames in spite of the efforts of its heroic volunteer firefighters.

Purchased in 1890 from the Gardiner C. Campbell & Sons Centennial Bell and Iron Works in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the 5,000 pound bell hung above Seattle's first professional fire station at Seventh Avenue and Columbia Street downtown. Campbell & Sons made similar bells for communities around the United States.

Electronic communications soon made the bell obsolete, and it was taken down in 1919. The fire station lasted until the early 1960s when it was demolished to make way for Interstate 5. The bell came to MOHAI in time for the museum's grand opening in 1952, and was rededicated June 6, 2002.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Seattle, WA  |  King County  |  98112  |  Washington  |  United States of America

The Old Shell House
Naval Training Station Seattle, a War Memorial
Scion of the Washington Elm
George Washington
Medal of Honor Memorial, a War Memorial
United Confederate Veterans Memorial, a War Memorial
The Reverend George Whitworth Grave
Pantages House Historical
George Ward House Historical
The Fremont Troll Historical

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.