Hose Station No. 1: A Glimpse into Davenport's Firefighting History

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Explore Davenport's firefighting past at the historic Hose Station No. 1, an Italianate gem and a National Register landmark.

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Hose Station No. 1

Hose Station No. 1, built in 1877, is a historic Italianate-style fire station in downtown Davenport, Iowa. Originally home to the volunteer Fire King Engine 2nd Hose Company, it later became the city's first paid fire department. Its distinctive tower was used to dry hoses, and the building is now a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A brief summary to Hose Station No. 1

117 N Perry St, Davenport, Downtown Davenport, Iowa, 52801, US

Local tips

Take a stroll around the exterior to appreciate the Italianate architectural details, including the arched windows and the central tower.
Combine your visit with a walk through downtown Davenport to see other historic buildings and landmarks.
Check out nearby attractions like the Figge Art Museum or the Bix Beiderbecke Museum.

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Getting There

Walking

Hose Station No. 1 is located in downtown Davenport, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby points of interest. If you're coming from the Figge Art Museum, head east on 2nd Street, then turn left onto Perry Street. The station will be on your left. From the RiverCenter, walk north on Perry Street; the station is a short distance away. Walking is free and allows you to explore the surrounding area.
Public Transport

Citibus, Davenport's public transportation system, has several routes that stop near Hose Station No. 1. Check the Citibus website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. The Ground Transportation Center is located a few blocks away from the station. From there, walk north on Perry Street. A single ride on Citibus costs $1.00.
Parking

If you're driving, there is street parking available near Hose Station No. 1, which is free for two hours. Several parking ramps are also located within walking distance, including the Redstone Parking Ramp at 101 Main St. Parking in the ramps costs $1 for two hours. Several public parking lots are also available. Be aware of parking restrictions and time limits.

Discover more about Hose Station No. 1

Hose Station No. 1 stands as a testament to Davenport's early firefighting efforts. Constructed in 1877, this Italianate-style building housed the Fire King Engine 2nd Hose Company, a volunteer group that predated the city's professional fire department. Designed by local architect John W. Ross, the station is notable as his earliest recorded project, with Ross later designing other prominent city buildings like the Scott County Courthouse.The station's architecture features a red brick facade and arched windows, characteristic of the Italianate style. A prominent central tower on the west elevation served a practical purpose: it was used to hang and dry the fire hoses. The words “Fire King” were once displayed on the tower above the door. The building's main level stored firefighting equipment behind large doors, while the second floor provided living quarters for the firefighters.In 1878, the Fire King Engine 2nd Hose Company became Hose Company No. 1, marking the transition to a paid unit. The station was replaced by the Central Fire Station in 1902. In 1912, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church acquired the station's old bell for its new church building. Later, the second floor served as a clubhouse for National Guard veterans, and the first floor was used for automotive purposes. Hose Station No. 1 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and the Davenport Register of Historic Properties in 1999.