Canada Hose Company Building
400--402 N. Mechanic St., Cumberland, MDIn 1833 a fire in the city of Cumberland destroyed seventy-five buildings in the heart of the downtown area." Three years before, the Cumberland Fire Engine Company, known as the Canada Company, had been formed but apparently it had little firefighting equipment.
Four years after the 1833 fire the city purchased a "Gooseneck" fire engine that was given to the Canada Company along with "four ladders, three hooks, four axes, and thirty dollars towards erecting a house in 1839. "
Members of the company had been meeting in a box shed of the Whither's Tannery on Mechanic Street where the new engine was kept. The company was incorporated in 1840, and five years later moved into its new firehouse on Mechanic Street at Blue Spring.
In 1850 a new engine from Button and Company of Waterford, New York was purchased by the town corporation for the Canada Company. This engine officially called the "Cumberland" but familiarly known as the "Dutch Chest," was later augmented by another engine from the same firm that was purchased by members of the company in 1852. There were 100 members in 1882.
This is the oldest of a number of firehouses in Cumberland built during the 19th century. As a group, these buildings are among the most interesting in Cumberland. The large, double wooden doors are a common feature of these structures, but the large arched windows on the second floor of this building are unique. The brick driveway and sidewalk around the structure enhance its appearance.
The Canada Hose Company building is an outstanding example of 19th-century utilitarian civic architecture. A reminder of the public spirit of the earlier citizens of Cumberland, it continues its usefulness as an auxiliary police station.
Local significance of the building:
Four years after the 1833 fire the city purchased a "Gooseneck" fire engine that was given to the Canada Company along with "four ladders, three hooks, four axes, and thirty dollars towards erecting a house in 1839. "
Members of the company had been meeting in a box shed of the Whither's Tannery on Mechanic Street where the new engine was kept. The company was incorporated in 1840, and five years later moved into its new firehouse on Mechanic Street at Blue Spring.
In 1850 a new engine from Button and Company of Waterford, New York was purchased by the town corporation for the Canada Company. This engine officially called the "Cumberland" but familiarly known as the "Dutch Chest," was later augmented by another engine from the same firm that was purchased by members of the company in 1852. There were 100 members in 1882.
This is the oldest of a number of firehouses in Cumberland built during the 19th century. As a group, these buildings are among the most interesting in Cumberland. The large, double wooden doors are a common feature of these structures, but the large arched windows on the second floor of this building are unique. The brick driveway and sidewalk around the structure enhance its appearance.
The Canada Hose Company building is an outstanding example of 19th-century utilitarian civic architecture. A reminder of the public spirit of the earlier citizens of Cumberland, it continues its usefulness as an auxiliary police station.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Maryland has a long history of seafood production: Maryland has a long history of seafood production, particularly of blue crabs and oysters. The state's Chesapeake Bay is known for its delicious seafood, and crab cakes and other seafood dishes are popular throughout the region.
About Allegany County
Allegany County Timeline
Allegany County, located in western Maryland, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was home to Native American tribes, including the Susquehannocks and the Seneca, before the arrival of European settlers. In the 18th century, the French and British fought for control of the area, with the British ultimately establishing dominance and building Fort Cumberland in present-day Cumberland.
During the 19th century, Allegany County experienced significant growth and development due to its close proximity to the National Road, a major transportation route connecting the East Coast to the Ohio River Valley. The county became an important logistical hub and saw the establishment of towns and industries such as manufacturing, coal mining, and transportation. In 1854, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was completed, further boosting commercial activity in the region.
Allegany County played a significant role during the American Civil War. Located on the border between the North and the South, the county was heavily contested and saw multiple skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Folck's Mill. The war had a lasting impact on the county, causing economic disruption and leaving scars on the landscape.
In the 20th century, Allegany County continued to experience changes in its economy and demographics. The decline of traditional industries such as coal mining and manufacturing led to a shift towards service industries, healthcare, and education. The county is home to Frostburg State University and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which both contribute to its cultural and tourist attractions. Today, Allegany County combines its historical significance with its modern developments, offering a unique blend of heritage and progress.
During the 19th century, Allegany County experienced significant growth and development due to its close proximity to the National Road, a major transportation route connecting the East Coast to the Ohio River Valley. The county became an important logistical hub and saw the establishment of towns and industries such as manufacturing, coal mining, and transportation. In 1854, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was completed, further boosting commercial activity in the region.
Allegany County played a significant role during the American Civil War. Located on the border between the North and the South, the county was heavily contested and saw multiple skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Folck's Mill. The war had a lasting impact on the county, causing economic disruption and leaving scars on the landscape.
In the 20th century, Allegany County continued to experience changes in its economy and demographics. The decline of traditional industries such as coal mining and manufacturing led to a shift towards service industries, healthcare, and education. The county is home to Frostburg State University and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which both contribute to its cultural and tourist attractions. Today, Allegany County combines its historical significance with its modern developments, offering a unique blend of heritage and progress.
Allegany County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Allegany County, Maryland.
- 1789 - Allegany County was established by the General Assembly of Maryland.
- 1791 - The county seat was established in Cumberland.
- 1801 - The National Road, a major highway, was authorized to be constructed through Allegany County.
- 1811 - The first courthouse in Cumberland was completed.
- 1824 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began construction in Cumberland, becoming an important transportation route.
- 1851 - The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reached Cumberland, further enhancing transportation in the county.
- 1862 - Allegany County played a significant role in the American Civil War as a transportation hub and defense location.
- 1920s - The county experienced economic growth due to coal mining and the manufacturing industry.
- 1950s - The construction of Interstate 68 provided better transportation access to Allegany County.
- Today - Allegany County continues to be a picturesque area with a mix of rural and urban landscapes, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and historical sites.