Bayou St. John: Home of New Orleans’ Oldest Fire Hydrant
1869 map of central New Orleans: Public domain; Photo by Cassie Pruyn
Good old “Birdie” is claimed to be the oldest fire hydrant in New Orleans, and he proudly stands on the bayou. Poetic historian, Cassie Pruyn, finds out that there’s more to this story when it comes to water, New Orleans, and contests fit for fire engines!
Rumor has it Bayou St. John is home to the oldest fire hydrant still standing in the city of New Orleans. (If you know of an older one, tell me where it is!)
This proud little dude stands at the corner of Grand Route St. John and Moss Street, and, according to his markings, was installed on September 14, 1869. It’s an example of a “Birdsill Holly” hydrant, named for its inventor. Until 1891, the fire department in New Orleans was purely volunteer-run; for 62 years, the Firemen’s Charitable Association sought to protect the city of New Orleans from “conflagrations,” and was organized into several “companies,” or groups, each with their own engine.
