By resolution approved on July 26, 1859, the Common Council contracted with the firm of John N. Gamewell & Co. to construct a fire alarm and police telegraph system for New Orleans. The system was based on the proposal made to the city by the Gamewell concern [for details, see The American Fire Alarm and Police Telegraph. To which the attention of the municipal government, insurers and property holders of the city of New Orleans is respectfully requested. John N. Gamewell & Co., of Camden, South Carolina, proprietors. New Orleans, 1859, in the City Archives Pamphlet Collection, mf LN35]. The resolution placed control of the system in the hands of the Finance Committee and the Fire Committee of the Council.

The essence of the system was, "to give an instantaneous, universal and definite alarm in cases of fire, and to afford facilities for instant police communication with the central station from every part of the city." This was accomplished through a system of call boxes and alarm bells. Each call box also was equipped with a telegraph key to allow messages to be sent back to the central station.

In March, 1860, the Council set aside space in City Hall for use of the system, presumably for the central station. In June of that year another resolution provided for a superintendent, an assistant superintendent, three operators, and a repairman to manage the day to day operation of the system. Locations of the system's alarm/call boxes are listed in most of the New Orleans city directories.

In later years, the Commissioner of Police and Public Buildings assumed control of the system. The city also contracted from time to time with other fire alarm firms to extend and/or update elements of the system. In 1893, the telephone service was initiated, but the old telegraph system remained in operation for several more years.