The Alexandria Fire of 1855: A Night That Changed Alexandria Forever
The Alexandria Fire of 1855 was one of the most devastating events in the city’s history. Fires were an ever-present threat in 19th-century Alexandria. With row houses built primarily from wood and warehouses stocked with highly flammable materials, the city was vulnerable to devastating blazes. Yet, among the many fires that swept through the town, one tragic event in November 1855 stands apart. Unlike accidental blazes, this fire was deliberately set by an unknown arsonist, and its deadly consequences left an indelible mark on Alexandria’s history.
The Fire of November 17, 1855
As the clock struck midnight on November 17, 1855, alarms rang across Alexandria. Flames engulfed the third floor of Hugh Smith’s three-story brick warehouse at 215 and 217 King Street, commonly known as Dowell’s China Store. The fire spread rapidly, filling the air with the acrid scent of burning straw. Firefighters and volunteers bravely fought the inferno, battling the upper floors while navigating the treacherous depths of the cellar.
At around 4:00 a.m., tragedy struck. Without warning, the west gable wall of the warehouse collapsed, instantly killing seven citizens and injuring six others. Among the injured was John Dogan, an African American laborer who lived on Royal Street. Though he survived the disaster, he sustained serious injuries that left him permanently crippled, a fact later noted in census records.
The Alexandria Fire of 1855: Remembering the Fallen Heroes
Firefighting in the 19th century was a communal effort, and those who perished that night were more than just firefighters—they were neighbors, craftsmen, and leaders within the Alexandria community. The victims included six members of the Star Fire Company, which later merged with the Friendship Fire Company to form the Columbia Fire Company. The seventh victim was a dedicated member of the Friendship Fire Company.
Here are the brave souls who lost their lives in the line of duty:
- George David Appich – A confectioner known for his delectable treats, Appich was laid to rest in Presbyterian Cemetery. Read more about him here.
- William Evans – A skilled plumber who supported Alexandria’s infrastructure, buried in Methodist Protestant Cemetery. Read his story here.
- J. Carson Green – A respected merchant whose final resting place remains uncertain.
- George Plain – A talented painter whose artistic legacy was overshadowed by tragedy, buried in Methodist Protestant Cemetery. Read more here.
- Robert Taylor – A dedicated pavior who helped shape Alexandria’s streets, buried in Methodist Protestant Cemetery. Read more about him here.
- John Roach – Laid to rest in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
- James Keene – A wood seller and member of the Friendship Fire Company, buried in Methodist Protestant Cemetery. His exact grave location is unknown. Read more.
The Alexandria Fire of 1855: The City in Mourning
Alexandria came together in an outpouring of grief and respect for the fallen. The first funeral occurred on November 18, 1855, as Fire Company members, dressed in full uniform, solemnly escorted George David Appich to his final resting place in Presbyterian Cemetery. Throughout the day, additional services honored George Plain, Robert Taylor, William Evans, and James Keene, with bells tolling and gun salutes marking their passage.
On November 19, the community gathered again to bid farewell to John Roach. Later that day, a service was held for J. Carson Green, though the uncertainty surrounding his burial location added to the sorrow.
The Alexandria Fire of 1855: A Lasting Tribute at Ivy Hill Cemetery
Determined to ensure their fallen brothers were never forgotten, Friendship and Star Fire Company members draped their engine houses in mourning—Friendship for six months, Star for an entire year. To honor the sacrifices of those lost, they established a monument fund. Their efforts culminated in the erection of a grand memorial at Ivy Hill Cemetery, standing as a permanent tribute to the brave firefighters who perished that fateful night.
The Alexandria Fire of 1855: A Legacy of Courage and Sacrifice
The tragedy of November 17, 1855, serves as a poignant reminder of the perils Alexandria’s early firefighters faced. Their bravery in the face of danger and commitment to protecting the city remain integral to Alexandria’s history. The inscription on the Friendship Fire Company’s tribute states:
“Boast thee, Death, in thy Possession lies Men of most noble bearing.”
These words encapsulate the enduring legacy of the men who stood in the face of disaster, sacrificing their lives for their community. Their memory continues to inspire, ensuring that Alexandria never forgets the heroes of the Fire of 1855.
Sources & Further Reading
Weinraub, C. (2017). The Firefighter’s Memorial in Ivy Hill Cemetery, Alexandria, Virginia. The Alexandria Chronicle, Fall 2017. Alexandria Historical Society.
Weinraub, C. (2023). Friendship Fire Company 250th Anniversary 1774 – 2024 Alexandria, Virginia. Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association.
Winkle, T., & Weinraub, C. (2003, July 27). Friendship Fire Company. Out of the Attic, Alexandria Times.
Related Story from Gravestone Stories:
Winter Archaeology: New Discoveries and Collaborations Illuminate Historical Narratives – Discover how the grave of Charles Glasscock, a Friendship Fire House volunteer who died in the line of duty, was rediscovered within the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex.
