First Fire Engine in Des Moines

General Crocker Steamer

In the summer of 1869 the first fire engine arrived in Des Moines:  It was named the General Crocker Steamer in honor of General Marcellus Crocker, beloved Des Moines lawyer who died at the end of the Civil War.  The steamer was financed by the Hawkeye Insurance Company, which only fought fires carrying the insurance company plaque on the building.  The organization of a paid city fire department didn’t occur until March of 1882.

Sources:

Brigham, Johnson. Des Moines: The Pioneer of Municipal Progress and Reform of the Middle West Together with the History of Polk County, Iowa. . . vol. 1.  Chicago:  S.J. Clarke, 1911.

Content also from the Des Moines Architectural and Historical Tour.