View complete article and references at Commemorative Landscapes of North Carolina at: https://docsouth.unc.edu/commland/monument/356
Description: This memorial, dedicated to Charlotte's fallen volunteer firefighters, depicts a late 19th century fireman standing poised and calm but ready as he steps forward with his right leg. He wears a large brimmed fire helmet and the traditional dress of fireman of the period, and in his left hand he holds what appears to be the nozzle of a fire hose. A fire extinguisher sits behind him. The statue rests atop a tall plinth with a tiered and embellished cap. The plinth sits on a three tier base.
Images: Front inscription | Right inscription | Side inscription
Inscription:
Front: ERECTED / OCTOBER 10, 1883. / BY THE VOLUNTEER / FIREMEN OF CHARLOTTE / AS A LASTING TRIBUTE / TO THEIR DEAD COMRADES / FIRE DEPARTMENT / ORGANIZED / MAY 20, 1875 / FIREMEN
Right Side: HORNET / FIRE COMPANY / ORGANIZED JANUARY 29, 1867 /
Side: PIONEER FIRE COMPANY / ORGANIZED MAY 20, 1874
Side: INDEPENDENT / HOOK AND LADDER CO. / ORGANIZED / AUGUST 4, 1868.
Dedication date: October 10, 1883
Materials & Techniques: The plinth and statue appear to made of granite. The plinth rests on what appears to be two tiers of marble and this rests on a square granite foundation.
Sponsor: Volunteer Firemen of Charlotte
Location: The monument sits near the entrance to the Elmwood Cemetery off West 6th Street.
Landscape: The monument is located in a grassy lawn with grave markers on the perimeter and mature shade trees in the background. Portions of the Charlotte city skyline are visible to the south.
City: Charlotte
County: Mecklenburg
Subjects: First Responders,Tragedy,Voluntary Organizations