Overview

Fire Station 24 is the only fire station in the city that was fully staffed by Black firefighters. 

• Location: 4501 Hiawatha Ave 
• Neighborhood: Hiawatha

Historic photo (Circa 1930)

Current photo (2022)

Architecture

• Architectural Style: No Style
• Architect: Not applicable

Use

• Historic use: Fire station
• Current use: Commercial

Construction

• Construction date: 1907
• Contractor: Hoglund Bros. 

Significance

• Area(s) of significance: Social History, Community Planning and Development, Significant Individual
• Period of significance: 1907-1941
• Date of local designation: 2022
• Date of National Register designation: Not applicable
• Designation: Exterior

Historic profile

Fire Station 24 is the only fire station in the city that was fully staffed by Black firefighters. It was built in 1907 to provide fire protection for this part of Minneapolis. Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD) Chief Canterbury placed only Black firefighters here. The chief purposefully segregated staff, due to complaints from white firefighters. Some neighbors were concerned about an all-Black fire crew, while others supported it. 

From 1907 to 1912, staff at this fire station included: 

• Lieutenant Frank S. Harris 
• Archie Van Spence, a pipeman 
• John W. Cheatham, a driver who retired in 1911 
• James R. Cannon, a pipeman  
• Oscar Clark, a driver who replaced Cheatham 

After 1912, the fire station was racially integrated. Due to discrimination and a hostile workplace, all Black staff left MFD by the early 1940s. After several civil rights lawsuits, a judge ordered MFD to desegregate in 1971. In 1972, MFD hired 10 people of color. As of 2021, 31.5% of MFD staff are people of color. This is now one of the most diverse departments in the U.S.  

The history of Fire Station 24 reflects unfair and unjust labor practices in the MFD. It also honors the contributions of Black firefighters to Minneapolis. In particular, Cheatham was the first Black fireman in Minneapolis, hired in 1888. He rose to the rank of captain in 1899. He was later demoted and transferred to this station. A nearby street is now named after him. 

Photo credit

• Circa 1930 photo: A.F. Raymond, Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society 
• 2022 photo: Minneapolis Department of Community Planning and Economic Development

Work cited

• 106 Group, “Designation Study: Fire Station No. 24,” 2021