Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
48
There was so much lumber available in the area that the city was built largely of wood. A great
fire in 1852 destroyed most of Sacramento, so in 1853 when people rebuilt important buildings, they
were made of brick. The new city firehouse was erected during this time.
Built to house the fire chief and the volunteers for Engine Company #3, the firehouse received
special recognition from the new state government, conveniently located in town. In 1872, the legis-
lature made this engine company the first paid fire department in California. The firehouse served
its original purpose for many decades but was abandoned in 1921 for a much larger facility.
After passing through a succession of private owners, the firehouse was bought by Newton
Cope in 1959. The neighborhood along the old waterfront was a slum; citizens rallied to save it from
destruction and extensive renovations began. The first restoration to reopen was this restaurant.
Cope opened The Firehouse as a bar and dining establishment in 1960, with the interior designed
to remind patrons of the Gold Rush Era. The entire waterfront was eventually rebuilt, creating the
National Historic District of Old Sacramento.
Celebrities, tourists, politicians, and diplomats have made it a point to stop and dine at The
Firehouse. Governor Ronald Reagan held both of his inaugural dinners here.
You can experience the “gateway to the goldfields” by visiting this award-winning restaurant
in Old Town Sacramento.
The Firehouse
1112 Second Street
Sacramento, California 95814
(916) 442-4772
