HJR40 Summary

• Recognizes and commends Creole Steam Fire Company No. 1 on its 200th anniversary, established in April 1819 as the first volunteer fire company in Mobile, Alabama

• Founded and operated by Creoles of mixed-race French, Spanish, African, and Native American ancestry who also established their own schools, churches, businesses, and social organizations

• Used horse-drawn equipment until 1924, including retired racehorses such as "Jack," and operated from a two-story brick firehouse at 13 North Dearborn Street designed by architect James H. Hutchisson in 1869

• Volunteers transitioned to become original professional firefighters of the Mobile Fire Department when it was created in September 1888; the company was disbanded in 1970 after continuing with some autonomy to hire its own employees

• Historic firehouse building remains intact as a private residence and is located on the Dauphin Street Historic Walking Tour and Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail