Ocala, historically known as the “Brick City,” earned its nickname after a devastating fire on Thanksgiving Day in 1883. The fire, fueled by wooden structures, razed five square blocks of downtown Ocala and left much of the business district in ruins. The fire reshaped the city’s future and led to the establishment of its first fire station.
In response to the destruction, city leaders made a pivotal decision to rebuild the city using fire-resistant materials, opting for brick over wood. This transformation created the “Brick City” identity, as red-brick buildings soon defined Ocala’s downtown landscape. However, by the 1960s, many of these brick structures were concealed beneath stucco and concrete as mid-century renovations altered the city’s architectural appearance.
City leaders also initiated the sale of fire bonds to fund the establishment of Ocala’s first fire department in 1885, making it one of the oldest fire departments in the state of Florida. In 1894, a brick fire station was established on Southeast Osceola Avenue between Broadway and Fort King streets.
Today, the site of the original fire station houses a city parking garage. A historical marker commemorating the station’s significance is located on the northwest corner of the garage, facing Southeast Broadway Street.
Additionally, the original fire bell, which once tolled to alert volunteer firefighters, has been preserved and is displayed near the garage. It serves as a tangible link to Ocala’s storied past.
The shift from wooden structures to brick has reshaped Ocala’s downtown, creating the cityscape we recognize today. Historic brick buildings and markers throughout the area serve as reminders of the city’s determination to rebuild and evolve after the fire. The downtown area continues to honor this legacy with historic brick buildings and markers that narrate the city’s journey from devastation to rebirth.
[Public domain photo]
