Greensboro 1904 American LaFrance fire engine returning home after 85 years on the road.
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The Return of Engine #496
After 85 years on the road, Greensboro’s 1904 American LaFrance Steam Engine is finally home.
By David Lindsay, Retired Greensboro Fire Marshal
Greensboro: 121 Years Ago
In 1904, the City of Greensboro was emerging from a multi-year depression and transforming into a vibrant urban center. The economy was defined by the "Three T’s"—Textiles, Tobacco, and Timber.
Did You Know? (Greensboro 1904)
A Small Town: The population was only 10,500—compared to over 302,000 today.
Bargain Hunting: Men bought shoes for 98¢; Japanese Silk was 25¢ a yard.
The First Vote: Prohibition passed locally that year with 738 votes for and 315 against.
This was the world Engine #496 entered when it was brand new. At the time, the Civil War was a bygone memory to some, and the three "T's" defined the direction of the city toward successful productivity.
Serial #496: Functionally American LaFrance #1
A Modern Marvel of 1904
The GFD had received its first steamer, the "General Greene," in 1884. By the turn of the century, they needed more power. They contracted with the newly merged American LaFrance Fire Engine Company for this machine.
| Weight | Height | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 4+ Tons | 9 Feet Tall | Last Pumped 1940 |
The 85-Year Odyssey (1940–2025)
The Journey is Complete: After a failed auction and a persistent push by Mr. Dean Green, Engine #496 was secured on Tuesday night, December 2, 2025. This "piece of fine jewelry" is finally coming home to the Greensboro Fire Department.