Bowen-Merrill Fire / Indianapolis Fire Department
Side A:Bowen-Merrill FireOn March 17, 1890 the Bowen-Merrill Company stationery and book store at 16-18 West Washington Street caught fire. Eighty-six firemen fought the blaze. The wood framed roof and floors collapsed, dropping many men into the fire. Thirteen deaths resulted, the deadliest fire for firefighters in Indianapolis history.
Side B:
Indianapolis Fire DepartmentVolunteer force founded 1826; established as Indianapolis Fire Department with paid force 1859. Bowen-Merrill disaster 1890 led to reorganization and city Board of Public Safety. Indiana General Assembly enabled Firemen's Pension Funds 1891. Improvements in training, equipment, and water access came by early 1900s.
Marker is on West Washington Street just west of Meridian Street, on the right when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
