1838 J. Riegel Pictorial Map of Philadelphia, showing Fire Companies

A first edition 1938 pictorial map of the city of Philadelphia celebrating that city's 19th century volunteer fire companies and the Insurance Company of North America. Volunteer Fire Companies, active throughout the 19th century, were powerful players in Philadelphia's social, political, and even criminal organizations.

A Closer Look

Based upon a 1937 drawing by J. Riegel, the map focuses on the downtown area of modern Philadelphia between the Delaware River and the Schuylkill River and is derived from a historic map dating to 1794. Riegel has identified the sites of various Engine and Hose Houses throughout. Surrounding the map are illustrations of fire companies at work, including renderings of their costumes and logos. Along the bottom are sketches of historic fire engines, apparently all drawn from models in the collection of the Insurance Company of America. In the upper left the first offices of the 'Insurance Company of North America' are illustrated. In the upper right is an illustration of that same company's 1792 founding in Independence Hall - suggesting a connection between the company and patriotism.

Philadelphia's Volunteer Fire Companies

In the 19th century, Philadelphia's firefighting efforts were dominated by volunteer fire companies, which served as far more than mere emergency responders. These entities doubled as social clubs and political organizations, sometimes exhibited gang-like behavior. Their passionate rivalries occasionally resulted in street 'wars,' leading to instances where companies would clash with one another at the scene of a fire rather than 'firefighting'. Despite their fervor and dedication, the inefficiencies and dangers of such unregulated competition prompted the city to transition towards a more structured, professional firefighting system by the latter part of the century.

Insurance Company of North America

The Insurance Company of North America (INA), established in 1792 in Philadelphia, is the oldest stock insurance company in the United States. A testament to American enterprise in the post-Revolutionary era, the INA offered fire, marine, and life policies. As the nation's commercial activities expanded, so did INA's influence and reach, playing a pivotal role in underwriting American mercantile and territorial expansion. Over the centuries, through mergers and acquisitions, the INA became a part of larger insurance entities, eventually merging with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company in 1982 to form CIGNA, a global health services organization.

Publication History and Census

This map was drawn in 1937 by Jacob Riegel Jr. and published in 1938 by the 'Insurance Company of North America'. It is the first and likely only edition.