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Historic resources from our archives - images, maps, documents, and more.

A hand-pumped fire engine made in Philadelphia in 1792. Water was stored in the copper lined wooden boxes, and two men (one pumping on each handle) forced the water up through the pipe on top, into a hose. (It can be assumed that a bucket brigade was used to keep the boxes filled.)

Hand-pumped fire engine, 1792

Fire axes and fire buckets were standard fire-fighting equipment in the 18th century. The buckets carried water; the axes were used to break into burning buildings. The speaking trumpet at the bottom was used to communicate with firefighters at the scene.

Fire equipment, late 18th century

Plan of Philadelphia, John Hills, May 30, 1796

Plan of Philadelphia, John Hills, 1796

Schuylkill Water Works, 1799

Schuylkill Water Works, 1799

Yellow Fever, Philadelphia, 1793

Yellow Fever in Philadelphia, 1793

Southeast Corner of Third and Market Streets, Philadelphia

Southeast Corner of Third and Market, Philadelphia

Map showing the progression of the Battle of Germantown

Battle of Germantown map, 1777

1779 Philadelphia map

1779 Revolutionary War-era map of Philadelphia and environs

Henry Disston's Keystone Saw Works was located along the Delaware riverfront in Tacony. The black-and-white lithograph shows the factory's many smokestacks emitting smoke into the atmosphere.

Keystone Saw Works

New Lutheran Church, Fourth Street, 1799-1800

New Lutheran Church in Fourth Street, Philadelphia