WEST VIRGINIA LOOKOUTS
MICHAEL MOUNTAIN
Pocahontas County
West Virginia Conservation Commission
West Virginia Conservation Commission
1924: Construction of a steel tower began.
January 11, 1925: "The first step was the erection of a 45-foot steel forest fire observatory on the summit of Michael mountain and a house for the observer built near the tower. A fire fighting organization has been employed, consisting of the observer, one ranger and a number of local wardens, who are commissioned and called up in case of need." (Charleston Gazette)
October 10, 1926: "The Michael Mountain tower in Pocahontas County has connection with the Cloverlick and Durbin Telephone Company and the Marlinton and Elk Telephone Company." (Charleston Gazette)
1935: The lookout duties were transferred to the new tower at Thorny Mountain.
January 17, 1937: "The steel for the framework is on the ground where each tower will be erected. Workmen are preparing to pour concrete for the foundations now..
A more unusual type of tower will be erected on Michael mountain, in the Seneca State Forest. Quarters for the observer will be within the tower itself, and a four foot wide catwalk will surround it. From this point one may see the Seneca state forest and portions of the Monogahela National Forest." (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)
A more unusual type of tower will be erected on Michael mountain, in the Seneca State Forest. Quarters for the observer will be within the tower itself, and a four foot wide catwalk will surround it. From this point one may see the Seneca state forest and portions of the Monogahela National Forest." (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)