More historical information from the Waukegan Fire Department is provided here, with some overlap from previous content. This detailed account explores the early development of fire protection in the city, highlighting key events, challenges, and milestones that shaped the department over time.
1800’s through 1929
Waukegan, one of Illinois’ oldest communities, traces its roots back to 1673 when Jesuit missionary Father Pierre Marquette and explorer Louis Joliet explored the area around Lake Michigan, where the Pottawamie Indians had settled. Trappers and traders soon followed, establishing a trading post called “Petite†or Little Fort in the early 1700s. The French eventually abandoned the fort, but by 1835, permanent settlers from Chicago began arriving. By 1841, the town had grown enough to become the county seat, replacing Libertyville. Over the next few years, the population surged from 150 to 750 people.
By 1849, the town had expanded to a population of 2,500 and was officially recognized as a port. With this growth, the name “Little Fort†no longer seemed fitting. On March 31, 1849, the village changed its name to Waukegan, derived from the Pottawamie word for "Little Fort" — Waukegance.
The city's location along Lake Michigan made it an attractive spot for trade. Grain and produce from nearby farms were shipped via Lake Michigan to Chicago. The arrival of the Illinois Parallel Railroad (later known as the Chicago and Northwestern) in 1855 brought manufacturing and further growth to the community.
A Need for Fire Protection
As Waukegan grew rapidly, so did the need for fire protection. Warehouses, factories, and wooden homes lined the streets, making fire safety a critical concern. In response, the Waukegan Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was formed on December 27, 1849, marking the beginning of organized firefighting efforts in the city.
The first company consisted of 21 volunteers who used axes, leather buckets, and a small hook and ladder wagon. They received only a poll tax rebate as compensation. Meetings were held at local businesses until a permanent station was built in the early 1850s. The first chief was J.D. Davis, later succeeded by J.H. Hill.
Early equipment was limited, and the first fire engine purchased from Chicago proved ineffective. After complaints, it was returned, and a new engine was bought from L. Button and Company in 1854. The city also invested in a new firehouse, which became a hub for both emergency response and community life.
The First Fire Engine
The initial fire engine was not well-received. It failed during tests, prompting the city to return it. A new steam engine was purchased in 1874 and quickly became a vital asset. This machine, known as the Silsby Steam Fire Engine, lasted for decades and was even rebuilt in 1892. It remained in service until the early 1900s, proving reliable in emergencies.
Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, the department continued to modernize. New alarm systems, water mains, and fire stations were established. Volunteers gradually gave way to paid firefighters, and the department became more professionalized.
The Great Chicago Fire
In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire sparked a call for help across the region. Waukegan firefighters answered the call, sending a team of volunteers and equipment to assist in controlling the blaze. This act of solidarity highlighted the growing role of the Waukegan Fire Department in regional emergency response.
Challenges and Growth
The 1890s brought both progress and hardship. Fires destroyed parts of the downtown area, prompting the city to invest in better water infrastructure. In 1893, plans for a new water plant were developed, and by 1894, a comprehensive water system was in place. Fire alarm boxes were installed throughout the city, improving response times.
The department faced difficult years, including a deadly fire at the American Steel and Wire Company in 1899 and the tragic death of Fireman John Hobart Jansen in 1908. He was the first Waukegan firefighter to die in the line of duty. His passing marked a somber moment in the department’s history.
Modernization and Legacy
By the early 1900s, the Waukegan Fire Department had evolved into a well-organized institution. Motorized fire engines replaced horse-drawn units, and new fire stations were built. The department continued to grow, responding to fires, protecting lives, and serving the community with dedication.
This rich history reflects the resilience, sacrifice, and commitment of Waukegan’s firefighters over nearly a century. Their legacy remains a vital part of the city’s identity and heritage.
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