What were city watchmen in early U.S. history primarily looking for during the night?

In early U.S. history, city watchmen were primarily tasked with looking out for fires during the night. This was especially crucial in urban settings where wooden structures were common, and the risk of fire was significant due to various factors such as cooking practices, heating methods, and the use of candles and oil lamps for lighting. The rapid spread of fire could devastate entire neighborhoods and was often exacerbated by the close proximity of buildings.

Watchmen played a vital role in alerting citizens and firefighters to fires as soon as they were detected, allowing for a quicker response to minimize damage and protect lives and property. Their focus on fire prevention and detection reflects the historical context in which public safety and emergency response were developing in urban environments.