St. Louis Fire of 1849

St. Louis, located near the junction of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, was the last major city where travelers could get supplies before they headed west.

The town was booming as people came in from around the U.S. and abroad and bought supplies before heading overland to participate in the California Gold Rush.

The paddle wheeled steamboat White Cloud on the river at the foot of Cherry Street was on fire.

The volunteer fire department with nine hand engines and hose reel wagons promptly responded.

[1] As a result of these fires, a new building code required new structures to be built of stone or brick and an extensive new water and sewage system was started.