Duwamish

The Duwamish is a steel-hulled fireboat roughly 37 meters long that served as one of the most powerful fire-suppression vessels of the early 20th century. Its main deck houses three original steam-powered pumps that were the heart of its firefighting system.

The vessel was built in 1909 at a local shipyard and served the Seattle Fire Department for about 75 years before being decommissioned in 1984. Following retirement, it was converted into a museum ship and designated as a National Historic Landmark.

The vessel tells the story of how firefighters operated on water in the early 20th century through hands-on exploration of its spaces. You can walk through the areas where the crew worked and lived, understanding their daily challenges at sea.

Visitors can tour the deck, engine room, and command center with volunteer guides who lead visits throughout the year. It is best to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for narrow stairs and low ceilings inside the vessel.

From 1909 to 2003, this vessel held the distinction of being the world's most powerful fireboat, capable of pumping enormous quantities of water per minute. This exceptional capability made it famous and respected among fire departments around the globe.