You’re now in front of Los Angeles’ oldest firehouse. Built in 1884, it was the city’s first building specifically designed to house firefighters and their equipment, back when fire protection still relied heavily on volunteer companies. The red-brick structure, designed by architect William A. Boring, has two floors: the ground level originally held stables for the horses and space for equipment, while the upper floor served as living quarters for the firefighters. A notable feature was the turntable built into the floor, allowing the horses to be rotated without backing them up—a rare innovation at the time. In 1885, the station became one of the first to host professional firefighters, laying the groundwork for what would become the Los Angeles Fire Department. It remained in operation until 1897 before being repurposed over the years as a bar, hotel, store, and market, adapting to the neighborhood’s evolving needs. In the 50s, citizen-led restoration efforts saved the building, and ten years later it reopened as a museum dedicated to the city’s firefighting history. Today, visitors can see antique helmets, steam-powered pumps, uniforms, and numerous photographs documenting Los Angeles’ major fires.