Palestine Fire Department

The city's own history dates the department to June 1, 1876, and the Palestine Hose Company, one of the oldest fire departments in Texas, which began with axes and lanterns. The city bought a horse-drawn engine in 1881 and began paying drivers on June 25, 1887. Three companies merged in April 1900, and in 1904 the department became fully paid. A Robinson Pumper, the first motor truck, arrived in 1922, and the last horses, Barney and Warren, retired in the late 1920s. The central station moved to 611 Avenue A in 1968.

What the plaque says

Palestine Fire Department Palestine, founded 1846, acquired fire department when International & Great Northern Railroad extended line here in 1872. Early fire-wagon was horse-drawn flatbed loaded with hose. Motor truck and city water were introduced 1918. Bell from 1895 hangs in front. (1972)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Texas State Railroad Excursion Train — 3.8 mi
  A round trip of about 25 miles of track between the Palestine and Rusk depots through the Piney Woods, on a line built by prison labor and reopened as a tourist railroad in 1976.

More markers nearby

• Don Hastings — steps away
• Palestine Salt Works C. S. A. — steps away
• Governor Thomas Mitchell Campbell — steps away
• Anderson County — steps away