With thousands of people headed to Gretna Fest this weekend, it’s the perfect time to explore the history of one of that community’s icons, the David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1. With roots in the 19th century, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously active volunteer fire company in the U.S.
The fire company was formed in July 1841 by 27 men of the Village of Mechanickham, as part of Gretna was originally known. According to the fire company’s website, the organization was originally the Gretna Fire Company, operating as a bucket brigade for its first three years. By 1844, they had purchased a hand pumper, which drew water from wells and backyard cisterns.
About 10 years later, the first fire station was built and eventually relocated to 205 Lafayette St. That historic site is now home to a firefighting museum managed by the Gretna Historical Society…