General Crocker Steamer
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In the summer of 1869 the first fire engine arrived in Des Moines: It was named the General Crocker Steamer in honor of General Marcellus Crocker, beloved Des Moines lawyer who died at the end of the Civil War. The steamer was financed by the Hawkeye Insurance Company, which only fought fires carrying the insurance company plaque on the building. The organization of a paid city fire department didn’t occur until March of 1882.
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General Crocker Steamer
Image of General M.M. Crocker driving the new General Crocker Steamer fire engine. The original Hawkeye Insurance building is in the background at 99 4th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. | Source: Historic Tour #1: Des Moines: Confluence of People and Resources. Des Moines Public Library, 1982.
General M.M. Crocker
Portrait of General M.M. Crocker in military uniform. | Source: Andrews, Lorenzo F. Pioneers of Polk County, Iowa, Reminiscences of Early Days, v.2, Des Moines: Baker-Trisler, 1908. ~ Digital source: Internet Archive.
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