Richmond, Va. Fire Engine No. 3 (U.S. Civil War) The Richmond, Va. Fire Engine No. 3 is a historical artifact from the United States Civil War era. Originally built in 1855, this fire engine was used by the City of Richmond's Fire Department during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Unlike modern fire engines, it was horse-drawn and equipped with a steam pump for water supply. After the war, the fire engine remained in service until its retirement around 1900. Today, the Richmond, Va. Fire Engine No. 3 serves as an important historical artifact, offering insights into both the city's firefighting practices during that period and the broader context of urban life during the U.S. Civil War era. The engine is preserved and displayed at various museums, providing a tangible link to the past for visitors and historians alike.