Organizational Background

Mobile history and formation of the Fire Department

One of the oldest cities in the United States, Mobile is the seat of Mobile County in the southwestern corner of Alabama along the banks of the Mobile River.

As a port city, its influences were shaped by the varied cargoes and exotic travelers that constantly passed through.

Mobile was founded as the capital of colonial French Louisiana in 1702 and remained a part of New France for over 60 years. In 1763, Britain took control of the colony following their victory in the Seven Years’ War. Following the American Revolutionary War, Mobile did not become a part of the United States, as it was part of territory captured by Spain from Great Britain in 1780.

Mobile first became a part of the United States in 1813, when it was captured by American forces and added to the Mississippi Territory, then later re-zoned into the Alabama Territory in August 1817. Finally, on December 14, 1819, Mobile became part of the new 22nd state, Alabama, one of the earlier states of the U.S.

The formation of the Fire Department and its authority to provide emergency response to the City of Mobile was initially establishing through the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mobile, 1859. This document authorizes the establishment and regulation of fire wards

and fire companies within the jurisdiction and provided the authority to act.

The Paid Department was established in 1888 and has evolved over its 133-year history into a true all-hazards response agency that includes fire suppression, emergency medical, and technical services.