Phoenix Fire Museum, Alabama, United States
4.5 (14 reviews) Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #28 in Mobile History Museums
Step into the past
This is a little known and unheralded stop in the heart of downtown Mobile. It's history is fascinating - "The can't get away club" of firefighters who remained in town through epidemics to help their neighbors. The architecture and the story (history) is so unique. It won't take long to tour but be sure to do it.
Address
203 S Claiborne St, Mobile, AL 36602-2322
Mobile
Website
http://www.historymuseumofmobile.com/phoenix-fire-museum
Current local date and time now
Thursday, May 09, 2024, 2:20
User Ratings
4.5 based on (14 reviews)
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Reviews
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5Gardenmann 5:00 PM Feb 23, 2016
Fascinating Firefighting Museum--Glad We Stopped Here
On our way back to our hotel, we passed this small museum. Since my partner is a firefighter, we were intrigued and stopped to check it out. It is fantastic! It shows a very comprehensive view of the history of Mobile's fire department. Old firefighting equipment, uniforms, and pieces of the history of the fire department are beautifully displayed on two floors. We learned about the importance of the fire department not only as those who are there to protect us, but its role in the social life of the city, as well (which I knew nothing about). The museum is housed in the old Phoenix Fire Company #6, which was dismantled and rebuilt in its current location. The gentleman on duty was a wealth of knowledge about Mobile's fire department and its history, as well as the history of fire equipment, tools, etc. We spent at least an hour really reading and looking over every item. We think kids would love the equipment (though they can't climb on anything), and it is a good opportunity to teach them a bit about firefighters and firefighting. Admission is free. Please be aware that it is only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-5pm. So glad we didn't miss it.
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4John B 5:00 PM Nov 10, 2021
A quick visit but worthwhile
This firehall, which dates back to 1855, was home to the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company in downtown Mobile as was the local community center where dances and other events were held on the spacious second floor. Entry is free (do leave a donation in the box). The lower level holds some fascinating old fire equipment, some of it dating back to the early 19th century including a horse drawn steam boiler which would provide power to pump water at the site of a fire. Upstairs contains a number of small exhibits highlighting the different fire companies that ruled over Mobile in the through to the mid 20th century. A visit takes no more than 30 minutes and there is always a very helpful volunteer on hand to answer any questions you may have.
