1904 “Metropolitan” Steam Engine

“Steamers” came into wide use in American cities from about 1855 until 1915. This one was built in the Ahrens-Fox shops by the American Fire Engine Company for the city of Reno, Nevada.

A large engine for its time, it could pump 750 gpm. It was drawn by three horses and staffed by three firefighters. The rest of the engines crew responded separately on a hose wagon.

This beautiful apparatus is currently on display in Gallery 1.