Friendship Hill NHS event honors eight fire companies that saved the historic Gallatin House

Firefighters from the 1979 fires pose in front of Gallatin House, which they saved.

NPS Photo

It’s been 40 years since a series of fires nearly destroyed Friendship Hill in the summer of 1979. Later determined to be arson, the fires caused damage to the historic Gallatin House as well as destroyed some outbuildings on park grounds. Eight fire companies from the surrounding area responded to three alarms in just four days.

On Sunday, July 14, 2019, Friendship Hill National Historic Site paid tribute to the firefighters who worked diligently to save the Gallatin House and hosted a public event observing the 40th anniversary of the fires. Former and current firefighters, along with their families, attended a short welcome ceremony where certificates of appreciation were presented to each of the eight volunteer fire departments that responded in 1979. Several companies also brought fire trucks to the event, much to the delight of visitors of all ages. Firefighters and visitors were welcomed into the Gallatin House where they viewed remaining damage from the fires and browsed a special display of fire-related photographs and newspaper articles. Many of the firefighters in the photographs were identified after 40 years of anonymity. The event also kicked off an effort by park staff to collect oral histories surrounding the fires. Additionally, the Friendship Hill Association provided light refreshments, including cookies shaped like fire trucks!

The National Park Service is grateful for the firefighters, past and present, who saved the Gallatin House in 1979 and who continue to help preserve and protect Albert Gallatin’s beloved Friendship Hill.