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Seattle, Washington / History

Fireboat Duwamish

The second oldest fireboat in the United States, the Fireboat Duwamish is a National Historic Landmark and museum ship moored at Lake Union Park.

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Fireboat Duwamish
Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0

What is the Fireboat Duwamish known for?

Built in 1909, it is the second oldest fireboat in the United States and was the world's most powerful fireboat from 1909 to 2003, capable of pumping 22,800 gallons per minute.

Where is it located?

The vessel is permanently moored at the Historic Ships Wharf at South Lake Union Park in Seattle, near the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI).

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission is donation-based, typically around $5 per group.

What are the hours for tours?

On pleasant days from April to October, volunteer tour guides may be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Is it a historic site?

Yes, it is both a National Historic Landmark and a City of Seattle Landmark.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Fireboat Duwamish is a maritime masterpiece of the early 20th century, built in 1909 by Richmond Shipbuilding specifically for the Seattle Fire Department. It was created in response to the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, serving as a critical piece of waterfront protection. For nearly a century, it held the title of the world's most powerful fireboat from 1909 to 2003, capable of pumping 22,800 gallons of water per minute. This vessel is recognized as the second oldest fireboat in the United States, surpassed only by the Edward M. Cotter in Buffalo, New York. It is a National Historic Landmark and a City of Seattle Landmark, designated as such in 1986 and 1989 respectively. The National Park Service describes it as the best preserved, largely unchanged example of the historic American fireboat type from that era. During World War II, the Duwamish transitioned from firefighting to national security, serving the Coast Guard as a patrol boat. In 1994, the Shipping and Railway Heritage Trust purchased the vessel to ensure its preservation. Today, it serves as a public museum ship, focusing on the education of future mariners and the interpretation of Seattle's maritime industry. Now permanently moored at the Historic Ships Wharf at Lake Union Park, the ship is open to the public for deck tours. The vessel is maintained by volunteers who interpret the history of Seattle's waterfront and the importance of fireboats for visitors.

Visitor tips

  • Visit between April and October on pleasant days to find volunteer tour guides on deck from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Entry is based on donations, with a typical suggestion of around $5 per group.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) at South Lake Union Park.

Nearby context

The Fireboat Duwamish is located at the Historic Ships Wharf in South Lake Union Park, positioned near the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), making it part of a larger maritime heritage cluster in the city's waterfront area.

Sources

Evidence and links