1873 Silsby Fire Engine
In 1874, the City of Fort Madison received its Silsby Fire Engine, which had been manufactured the year before. In anticipation of the engine’s arrival, the city purchased the City Market Place—now the site of City Hall at the northwest corner of 8th Street and Avenue E—to serve as storage for the engine and to house the horses required to pull it.
The Silsby Steam Fire Engine: A Revolution in 19th Century Firefighting
In 1877, the Silsby Manufacturing Company of Seneca Falls, New York published a booklet highlighting testimonials from fire departments across the United States and Canada about their innovative "Rotary Steam Fire Engines." Among the most enthusiastic endorsements came from the Chief Engineer of the La Crosse, Wisconsin Fire Department.
He praised the Silsby engine for several key advantages over traditional piston pump engines:
Superior Stability: Unlike piston engines, the Silsby could operate effectively on uneven terrain—like riverbanks—without risk of tipping or sliding.
Greater Efficiency: It lifted and discharged more water while consuming less steam, making it both powerful and fuel-efficient.
Gentler on Equipment: The Silsby’s rotary pump produced a smooth, continuous stream of water, reducing wear and tear on hoses by up to 50%. The steady flow meant hoses didn’t expand or contract with each burst, which extended their life significantly.
No Need for Restraints: While piston engines were known to shake or "dance" themselves off bridges or platforms if not securely chained, the Silsby remained firmly in place during operation.
Low Maintenance: Repairs were so rare and inexpensive that, according to the Chief, they were "too trifling to mention."
Impressive Performance: The engine was capable of lifting water 23 feet with ease, overcoming strong back pressure and performing impressively under only 60 pounds of steam pressure.
These features made the Silsby a favorite among fire departments in the late 19th century—including here in Fort Madison, where it became a vital part of our early fire protection efforts. Our very own "Gem City" engine was a Silsby and served the community for decades, even being rebuilt and returned to service as firefighting technology continued to evolve.
Silsby To The Rescue!
Fort Madison’s first—and most legendary—fire engine, the Silsby, played a heroic role during one of the city’s earliest major fires on November 8, 1874. That night, a devastating blaze swept through the south side of the 600 block of Avenue G, destroying nearly everything in its path. Lost in the flames were Tom Slack’s blacksmith shop, the Edwards & McCabe livery stable, a harness shop, a meat market, and several homes.
The damage totaled nearly $10,000—a significant loss for the time—with only $500 covered by insurance. The fire threatened to consume much more. As reported by the Burlington Daily Hawkeye Gazette, "At one time it seemed as though the entire business portion of the city would be laid in ashes, but as soon as the steamer got fairly at work the flames were quickly under control."
Thanks to the quick action and powerful performance of the Silsby steam engine, the fire was stopped before it could spread further—solidifying its place in Fort Madison’s history not just as the city’s first fire engine, but also its first firefighting hero.
On the night of March 29, 1911, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Lee County Courthouse in Fort Madison was engulfed in flames. The alarm was first raised by Mrs. Brown, a local resident living on what is now Avenue E, just northeast of the courthouse. She noticed an unusual glow in one of the courthouse windows and alerted her husband, who quickly sprang into action.
According to The Evening Democrat (March 30, 1911), four companies of the Fort Madison Fire Department battled the blaze for over six hours. Despite their efforts, the historic courthouse—one of Iowa’s oldest landmarks—was reduced to ruins. Towering colonial columns were left silhouetted against charred, unsightly walls. A strong wind carried burning embers over the downtown area, threatening to spread the fire further. Fortunately, no additional structures were lost, though it was considered one of the city’s most devastating fires.
The fire response was swift, but early challenges severely hampered efforts. Although the hook and ladder company arrived just two minutes after the alarm, a broken water main caused a delay in getting water to the flames. For nearly an hour, no effective streams could be used. During that time, the fire had already consumed the attic and was spreading rapidly.
Additional companies soon joined, and by 11:00 p.m., six water streams were in operation. However, they had limited effect against the intense heat and wind-driven fire. The courthouse’s wooden tower became fully engulfed, eventually collapsing in a fiery heap and sending sparks high into the night sky. Burning debris rained down as the fire raged on, attracting hundreds of spectators. Ropes were used to create a fire line and keep the crowd at a safe distance.
Just after midnight, the blaze seemed to be under control—until another crisis hit. Water pressure dropped again as the broken main failed completely. Flames reignited and spread to the lower floors. With local resources overwhelmed, aid was requested from nearby cities. Burlington was unable to assist, but Keokuk quickly dispatched a fire engine and crew.
In a last-ditch effort, Fort Madison’s old Silsby steam engine was brought out, despite being in poor repair. Railroad workers from the Santa Fe Shops offered assistance, even bringing a switch engine to help power the Silsby. For 15 minutes, it managed to pump two streams before a key component failed.
Finally, around 1:00 a.m., the source of the water pressure issue was found—a burst 12-inch main in Prison Hollow. Once the break was isolated and flood gates closed, water pressure returned. Fire crews quickly re-engaged, and the blaze was brought under control. By 4:15 a.m., the fire was fully extinguished, leaving behind only smoke and smoldering ruins.
The 1911 Lee County Courthouse Fire
