The Friendship Fire Company, established in 1774, was the first fire company in Alexandria. Friendship members were volunteers concerned for the well-being of the community. By the mid-19th century there were five Alexandria volunteer fire companies: Friendship, Sun, Relief, Star and Hydraulion. They fought fires large and small, including three major fires in 1827, 1855 and 1971.

The historic Friendship Firehouse is a City of Alexandria museum. Visitors learn about firefighting and the fire company's important presence in the community supporting and participating on civic events and parades. The firehouse was constructed in 1855. It had a steeple, a balcony fronted the street, and sand covered the Engine Room's dirt floor. The bell in the cupola was installed in 1857. The building was remodeled in 1871 with the facade and cupola we see today. The brick floor dates from 1921. The firehouse was restored by the City of Alexandria in 1992.

Members of the Friendship Fire Company were white men of a variety of vocations such as bricklayers, coachmakers, carpenters, bakers, merchants, painters and tavernkeepers. Nevertheless, firefighting was a community effort. For example, the company's Minute Book in September 1810 discusses appropriating funds for compensating African American men "who aided and appointed in working the Engine during the fire which took place on the night of the 24th."

Women spearheaded fundraising to support the Friendship Fire Company. One of their fundraising fairs was in June 1855. The Alexandria Gazette noted that, "Preparations are being made by several ladies and their friends for holding a Fair for the purpose of raising funds for building an Engine House for the Friendship Fire Company." Their efforts were successful, "The gross receipts from the Fair, ... will fully enable {the company} to consummate its wishes as regards its engine house."

In the latter half of the 19th century the Friendship Fire Company fought fires less frequently as career firefighters and the paid City fire department was organized. Early in the 20th century the membership formed a veteran's organization. Today, the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association continues as an active philanthropic and public service organization.

In 1857, John Muir delivered a lecture in the firehouse's meeting room on the "origin, progress, and present condition of the Friendship Fire Company." Muir was a former mayor of Alexandria, and clerk of the Friendship Fire Company. The lecture was printed in that year in the Alexandria Gazette and Virginia Advertiser, and was reprinted in 2002 in the Historic Alexandria Quarterly with an introduction by Dr. T. Michael Carter.

• Friendship Fire Company. Out of the Attic, Alexandria Times, by Tim Winkle and Catherine Weinraub, July 27, 2003

• Forming a More Perfect Community: An Early History of the Friendship Fire Company. Historic Alexandria Quarterly, Summer 2002
  In 1857, John Muir delivered a lecture in the firehouse's meeting room on the "origin, progress, and present condition of the Friendship Fire Company." Muir was a former mayor of Alexandria, and clerk of the Friendship Fire Company. The lecture was printed in that year in the Alexandria Gazette and Virginia Advertiser, and was reprinted in 2002 in the Historic Alexandria Quarterly with an introduction by Dr. T. Michael Carter.