WEST VIRGINIA
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BACKBONE MOUNTAIN (OLSON)
Tucker County Monongahela National Forest
1922: A 60 foot steel tower was erected.
October 10, 1926: "The tower on Backbone Mountain in Tucker County is served from the Parsons central office." (Telephone service) (Charleston Gazette)
February 6, 1962: "An interesting happening in the Monongahela National Forest speaks more effectively than words can do with regard to the 50 years of U.S. Forest Service care of our timberlands.
The 60-foot fire tower on top of Backbone Mountain, in Tucker County, is being replaced by a 100-foot tower, because the timber has grown to such an extent that the old tower no longer provides sufficient height for effective surveillance." (Raleigh Register)
Standing
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BALD KNOB
Pocahontas County State
 c.1915 - 4th Biennial Report of the FG&F Warden
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1916: "This station is located in Green Bank District, Pocahontas County, seven miles from Cass, and four and one half miles from Spruce, and is under the supervision of F.M. Glenn. To reach the station, it is necessary to walk from Cass as there is no road. The elevation is 4,800 feet and commands a view of approximately 900 square miles. The watchman, W.B. Ratliff, receives his mail at Spruce during the fire season and at Caldwell outside of fire season. The nearest telegraph office is Cass, West Virginia, and under ordinary conditions, a message can be delivered to the station in thirty minutes after it is received at Cass. Mr. Ratliff lives ninety miles from the station and necessarily makes his home at the station while on duty."
"With but few exceptions the stations have all been constructed on the same plan, in the shape of a truncated pyramid, and are two stories in height, being ten feet square at the base, six feet square at the top and twenty feet in height.
When the man employed as watchman lives a considerable distance from the station, it is necessary for him to remain there at night, and the lower room is used as cooking and sleeping quarters. In some sections where the community is thickly populated and a watchman can be secured who lives near the site of the station only a one story tower is built, this being used entirely as an observation tower." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
1923: A 53-foot Blaw-Knox steel tower was erected.
October 10, 1926: "The Bald Knob tower in Pocahontas County have connection with the Cloverlick and Durbin Telephone Company and the Marlinton and Elk Telephone Company. Both of these companies have connection with the Marlinton central office." (Charleston Gazette)
February 16, 1930: "At the top of Bald Knob is the new steel fire tower and each one must climb the steps to the lookout above where a majestic view is afforded. At the present time this is the highest vantage point in West Virginia, and as one looks about at the great panorama of wrinkles and furrows formed by the hills and valley--all enveloped by a soft blue haze that lends a dreamy aspect to the picture--one feels that such a view is well worth the climb." (Charleston Daily Mail)
1977: The last year the lookout was staffed.
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December 15, 1995: Placed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
West Virginia #4 U.S. #149
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BARTON KNOB
Randolph County
October 10, 1926: "The Barton Knob tower on Cheat Mountain near Huttonsville also in Randolph county is served by a telephone connected with the Elkins central office." (Charleston Gazette)
June 24, 2010: "On June 16, 2010, the Responsible Official, Greenbrier District Ranger William Dunk, signed a Decision Notice approving the implementation of Alternative 2 in the Barton Knob Repeater Project Environmental Assessment (EA). His decision authorizes the following activities to be implemented in the Barton Knob project area, which is approximately ten miles northwest of Bartow, WV; (1) construct 0.55 mile of new road and improve 0.14 mile of existing road to the repeater site, (2) clean up and stabilize the site and remove an existing fire tower, (3) install a radio tower, equipment shelter, and new radio equipment at the site, and (4) install a power system and security fencing at the site." (The Pocahontas Times)
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BEAR LICK
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BEARDON KNOB
Tucker County
 Postcard - Ron Kemnow Collection
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BEAVER LICK MOUNTAIN (WHITE ROCK)
Pocahontas County
October 10, 1926: "In Pocahontas county the tower on Beaver Lick Mountain is served by the Marlinton central office." (Charleston Gazette)
October 1953: "The other day William Crigger was out taking the sun on the third flight of steps up on White Rock fire tower on the Beaver Lick. He heard a rock turn over . Right underneath was a big bear, turning rocks over for a diet of ants. Then the bear appeared to catch the man-smell, for he silently slipped away, to be lost in the nearby cover of the forest." (The Pocahontas Times)
1973: The last year the lookout was staffed.
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BEE MOUNTAIN
Kanawha County State
October 10, 1926: "The Bee Mountain tower located at the head of Lens Creek in Kanawha County is connected with a telephone line operated at East Bank." (Charleston Gazette)
July 20, 1936: "Large crowds visited the new picnic spot surrounding the 80 foot steel fire tower on Bee Mountain, 15 miles southeast of Charleston yesterday.
The Bee mountain site, two miles from the Lens creek road, is the twentieth picnic spot at state fire observation towers constructed by the civilian conservation corps.
Forester D.B. Griffin said more will be opened to the public this summer.
A fireplace, benches and other conveniences for an outing were placed in a grove around the tall tower on Bee mountain. A roadway to the top of the 1,700 foot point was completed early this year." (Charleston Gazette)
November 28, 1937: "A log ranger's cabin on Bee mountain has been completed by the CCC for use of the observer on duty during forest fire seasons on top of this Kanawha county peak. It replaces a corrugated iron cabin and adds to the beauty of this favorite picnic spot of the capitol city region." (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)
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BELL KNOB
Grant County Monongahela National Forest
1943: The former Dolly Sods Lookout was moved to this site.
2010: The lookout's cab collapsed under the weight of a record snowfall
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BERWIND
McDowell County State
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BICKLE KNOB
Randolph County Monongahela National Forest
August 27, 1934: "The Bickel Knob fire tower is perched on a high shoulder above Elkins. It is one of a series of similar towers erected for the protection of the forest against its greatest menace, fire." (Charleston Gazette)
Standing, cab replaced by a platform
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BIG RIDGE
Hardy County West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
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December 7, 2010: Placed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
West Virginia #8 U.S. #893
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BLACK MOUNTAIN
Pocahontas County State
October 10, 1926: "The Black Mountain tower has telephone connection with the central office at both Marlinton and Richwood." (Charleston Gazette)
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BLAIR MOUNTAIN
Logan County State
October 10, 1926: "The Blair Mountain tower in Logan County is connected with the Madison central office through the private branch exchange of the Boone County Coal Corporation at Sharplea." (Charleston Gazette)
Gone
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BRIERY KNOB
Pocahontas County State
 c.1914 - State Forest, Game & Fish Warden- Biennial Report
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1913-14: "The Cherry River Boom and Lumber Company constructed at their own expense more than twenty-five miles of telephone lines in order to make connection with Briery Knob and Job Knob Stations." (Biennial Report - Forest, Game & Fish Warden - West Virginia - 1913-14)
1916: "This station is located in Little Levels District, Pocahontas County, twelve miles from Seebert, and is under supervision of David Frame. The station may be reached by carriage or on horseback. The elevation is 4,534 feet and commands a view of approximately 1,000 square miles. The watchman, S.A. Sparks, lives at Lobelia, three miles distant, and only stays at the station at night when there is great danger from fire. In order to get a full view of his territory, it is necessary for him to patrol about one-quarter of a mile three or four times daily. Mr. Sparks receives his mail daily during the fire season at Lobelia, and telegrams can be delivered to him within thirty minutes from Seebert." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game & Fish Warden)
October 10, 1926: "The Briery Knob tower in Pocahontas County has connection with the Cloverlick and Durbin Telephone Company and the Marlinton and Elk Telephone Company." (Charleston Gazette)
March 18, 1938: "Arthur A. Wood, supervisor of the Monogahela national forest, said the road to Briery Knob fire tower in Pocahontas county would be improved so that tourists 'may enjoy the view from the peak.' " (Charleston Gazette)
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BRUSHY MOUNTAIN
Greenbrier/Monroe Counties State
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BUCK KNOB
Lincoln County State
Gone
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BUFFALO MOUNTAIN
Mingo County
1961: The Buffalo tower was erected under the State Temporary Employment Program (STEP).
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BURNING ROCK
Wyoming County State
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CABIN HILL
Logan County State
September 8, 1932: "Mr. Griffin advised the commission that progress is being made on the Cabin Hill forest fire tower on Mud Fork mountain, Logan county. Almost a score of counties and a large section of eastern Kentucky are visible from the tower." (Charleston Gazette)
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CADDELL
Preston County
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CANAAN MOUNTAIN
Tucker County Monongahela National Forest
1943: The lookout was no longer needed for fire detection purposes. The duties were transferred to the new lookout at Beardon Knob.
Gone
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CARLIN HILL
Wetzel County
October 10, 1926: "Near Smithfield in Wetzel county the Carlin Hill tower has telephone connection with the Pine Grove telephone system which connects with the Clarksburg office at the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company." (Charleston Gazette)
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CHEAT VIEW FARM
Monongalia County
May also be known by another name.
August 2, 1927: "West Virginia's second largest fire observation tower will overlook three states when it rears its 65 feet of angle iron into the air from its site on Cheat View farm, 7 miles from here (Morgantown). Through its use 55 square miles of timberland will be under continuous observation.
The state fish and game commission has secured ground for the tower on a 99 year lease, and will provide fire protection service at a cost of one cent a year an acre for all property owners within the radius of visibility of the observatory." (Charleston Daily Mail)
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CHERTLAND MOUNTAIN
Mineral County
October 10, 1926: "In Mineral county, the Chertland Mountain observer is connected with the Chertland Orchard Company's telephone station which is served from the Cumberland, Maryland central office." (Charleston Gazette)
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COALWOOD
McDowell County
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COTTLE KNOB
Nicholas County
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ELK KNOB
October 10, 1926: "The Elk Knob observer may transfer messages from Whitesville over lines connected with the East Bank switchboard." (Charleston Gazette)
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ELK HORN ROCK
Grant/Hardy County line State
May 7, 1929: "Construction of a fire tower near Petersburg, Grant County, will be started at once by the state game and fish commission, it was said yesterday at the offices of the commission here.
P.C. Browning, forest fire warden of the commission left yesterday to supervise preliminary construction work on the tower. Three towers already are under construction in the state." (Charleston Gazette)
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GARTEN KNOB
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GATEWOOD
Randolph County
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GAUDINEER KNOB
Pocahontas County USFS
1936 - 1937: Construction of the fire tower began in 1936 and was completed the following year by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps from Camp Hutton.
July 1, 1937: "On Monday, July 5, a United States forest fire tower will be dedicated to the memory of Ranger D.R. Gaudineer, according to Arthur A. Wood, forest supervisor.
Gaudineer lost his life 15 months ago in a futile effort to rescue his three daughters when fire destroyed their home at Parsons, W. Va.
He served as district ranger in the Monongahela national forest for ten years.
The tower is located on Gaudineer Knob, named for the ranger, near the Randolph and Pocahontas county line." (Charleston Daily Mail)
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GAULEY MOUNTAIN
Fayette County
October 10, 1926: "The Gauley Mountain tower has telephone connection with the Gauley Mountain Coal Company at Ansted where messages can be relayed to the central office at Fayetteville." (Charleston Gazette)
August 8, 1928: "J.M. Hammond, of Ansted, has been appointed the new section ranger with headquarters at the Gauley mountain fire tower. The fire tower has been completely renovated, with new roof, new windows, new floor in observation room and a coat of paint." (Charleston Daily Mail)
October 28, 2009: The Blaw-Knox tower was installed at its new location in the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Its purpose is more for observing than observing from.
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HALF MOON MOUNTAIN
Hardy County Shenandoah National Forest
November 2, 1921: "A lonesome job has John Dellinger who mans the fire lookout tower on Half Moon Mountain, a high peak on the Shenandoah National Forest in Hardy County, West Virginia, overlooking the Lost River watershed. A visitor is an event with John and a few days ago when he heard a disturbance outside and pulled back the window of his cab to investigate in flew a pigeon.
It seemed to make itself at home in the tower and partook heartily of John's midday meal and of the water in his canteen.
A closer examination showed that it must be a carrier pigeon as it carried three bands on its legs; two aluminum bands on the right bearing the following inscriptions: G.N.Y. 313.1 F 12 and A J 12985, on a hard rubber band on the left with the inscription U-466.
Carrier pigeons were used quite extensively during the war for carrying messages and it may be that our pigeon being out of a job thought Uncle Sam would appreciate his services just as much as a fire guard as he had as a liaison officer and decided to offer them to the nearest fire lookout station.
Unless the bird leaves of his own accord he will be cared for at the lookout tower. If the news of his whereabouts should reach the owner, and he should desire to have him returned he should communicate with Forest Ranger, Arthur A. Wood, of Lost City, West Virginia." (Harrisonburg Daily News Record - Virginia)
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HANGING ROCK (PETERS MOUNTAIN)
Monroe County Jefferson National Forest
September 26, 1937: "The Monroe County Rod and Gun Club has requested the State Conservation commission to construct fire trails on the western slope of Peters mountain, according to J.J. Underwood, president of the local organization.
It was explained that the fire trails and the plans for a fire tower were once begun by the CCC organization, but for some reason work on the project stopped. The action of the local club in making the request was prompted by a desire to prevent forest fires from destroying game in one of the county's best game territories." (Raleigh Register)
1956: A larger lookout structure replaced the original lookout building.
1972: This was the last year the lookout was used for fire detection. Following this closure the lookout became a popular site for watchers of raptors. These bird enthusiasts took it upon themselves the job of caring for the structure.
February 10, 1996: Arsonists burned the lookout on the night of the 10th.
May 1996: A new 14x14 cedar cabin was completed.
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June 1, 2004: Placed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
West Virginia #7 U.S. #581
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Standing
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HIGH POINT
Hampshire/Frederick (Va.) Counties
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HOLLY RIVER STATE PARK
Webster County
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HOPKINS MOUNTAIN
Greenbrier County
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HUFF'S KNOB
Raleigh County
May 17, 1936: "T.C. Harbeson, assistant state forester, and O.O. Nutter, forester of the Greenbrier district of Civilian Conservation camps, inspected the Shady Springs camp near Beckley and viewed the Huff's Knob project at Flat Top.
R.H. Legg, camp forester and his crew of 66 CCC workers are working at Huff's Knob, where over 1,000 feet of road leading to the tower site has been constructed. The fire tower will be erected this summer." (Charleston Daily Mail)
June 12,1936: "Construction of a road up Huff's Knob at Flat Top is being pushed to permit early completion of the 80-foot fire observer's lookout tower to be built on the 3,500-foot elevation.
The road will first be used to transport the steel for the tower, later by tourists.
Construction of two bridges across hollows which gash the side of the knob nearest U.S. Routes 19-21 is under way, and the grade for the new road has been made almost to the hill top.
Both road construction and tower erection are in the hands of CCC men from Camp Raleigh." (Raleigh Register)
July 20, 1936: "The CCC is now constructing a road to the top of Huff's Knob, on the Raleigh-Mercer county line. This point, 3,500 feet high, towers above the Flat Top weather observation station of Transcontinental Airlines. Work is necessarily slow because two bridges have to be constructed to cross hollows in the steep ascent." (Charleston Gazette)
December 11, 1936: "A crew of Camp Raleigh CCC enrollees broke ground yesterday morning on Huff's Knob, the highest West Virginia mountain south of the Kanawha river, and began work on the erection of a fire observer's tower.
Foreman Philip Baker, leader of the crew, said he hoped to complete the tower by Christmas--if fair weather continues.
Steel for the 79-foot structure arrived in Beckley Wednesday and was hauled to Camp Raleigh. It will be taken to the knob, just over the line in Mercer county on Flat Top mountain, as it is needed.
Yesterday the crew dug holes for the concrete bedding of each of the tower's four legs.
The structure will be of the conventional type, a square, tapering steel skeleton supporting an observatory. Camp Raleigh officials said last night an observer will be appointed by the state conservation department after the tower is completed.
Leader John Adkins and a 10-man crew have nearly completed a log cabin for the observer at the foot of the tower.
A road leading to the base of the tower was built last summer by Camp Raleigh workmen, and the tower site prepared. Delay in shipment of the steel has held up further work." (Post-Herald)
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IVY KNOB
Raleigh/Wyoming Counties
October 10, 1926: "The Ivy Knob station is connected on a thirty-mile line to Montcoal where toll connection is available through the Charleston central office." (Charleston Gazette)
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JACKSON KNOB
Fayette County
October 10, 1926: "The Jackson Knob tower connects with the mine telephone system at Whitaker which is served from the East Bank central office." (Telephone service) (Charleston Gazette)
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JACKSONBURG
Wetzel County
July 9, 1925: "Construction of a 60-foot steel fire observation tower at Jacksonburg, Wetzel county, where 15,000 acres of forest land is under protection of the state is believed to be pending, according to O.O. Nutter of the state forest service. A dwelling for the ranger will be erected at the base of the tower and fifteen miles of telephone line will also be constructed and placed in service." (Charleston Gazette)
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JOB KNOB
Greenbrier County
 c.1915 - 4th Biennial Report of the FG&F Warden
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1913-14: "Honorable H.E. Williams donated all of the lumber and delivered same on the ground for the Job Knob Station." (Biennial Report - Forest, Game & Fish Warden - West Virginia - 1913-14)
1916: "This station is located in Williamsburg District, Greenbrier County, nineteen miles from Richwood, and is under the supervision of David Frame. The station may be reached by carriage or on horseback from Richwood. The elevation is 4,388 feet and commands a view of approximately 800 square miles. The watchman, James H. McMillion, lives nine miles from the station, and stays at the station each night. He receives his mail at Trout, West Virginia, once a week, and telegrams can be delivered to the station in twenty minutes from Renick. West Virginia." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
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JOHNSON KNOB
Kanawha County
April 26, 1929: The Southern West Virginia Fire Protective association appropriated $1,500 for the construction of a 73-foot steel forest observation tower at Johnson Knob, Kanawha county. (Charleston Daily Mail)
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KEENEY'S KNOB
Summers County
June 13, 1937: "Work has been started by CCC workers on the 79-foot steel fire tower which, according to plans of the state conservation commission, is to be the center of a 13-acre public park on Keeney's Knob, highest point in southern West Virginia.
Work was begun recently with the completion of improvements on a 6-mile stretch od secondary road from Griffiths creek to Tempa.
From Tempa, the top of the knob is five and one-fourth miles, passable for automobiles. Several routes may be taken to the knob, giving entrance from different directions. The Griffiths Creek - Clayton - Tempa route, however, has been recommended for sightseers seeking the striking view of the surrounding section from the top of the knob, 3,945 feet above sea level.
Plans of the commission for the park call for the building of several stone outdoor fire places and the placing of benches and tables for picnickers at various places in the vicinity." (Charleston Daily Mail)
September 27, 1937: "Employees of the state conservation committee began work on erection of an 88-foot steel fire tower on top of Keeney's Knob." (Charleston Daily Mail)
September 28, 1937: "Erection of an 88-foot steel fire tower has begun at Keeney's Knob, 20 miles from here, by four employees of the state conservation commission.
O.H. Mann, of Keeney's Knob, has been appointed tower keeper, to maintain a constant lookout for fires. A cabin for the keeper will top the tower.
The knob is an elevation of 3,945 feet, and from it a large portion of the forests of Monroe, Greenbrier and Summers counties can be viewed." (Charleston Daily Mail)
November 14, 1937: "Erection of an 88-foot forest fire tower on Keeney's Knob will be completed before the opening of the fall forest fire danger period. Keeney's Knob, 3,945 feet above sea level, is one of the highest points in the southern part of the state.
The CCC constructed a road to the tower." (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)
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LAMBERT KNOB
Wyoming County
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LAUREL HILL
Barbour/Randolph Counties
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c.1914: State Forest, Game & Fish Warden - Biennial Report
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1913-1914: "L.L. Bennett contracted to supply a watchman at his own expense for a term of three years for Laurel Hill Station." (Biennial Report - Forest, Game & Fish Warden - West Virginia - 1913-14)
1916: "This station is located on the line between Barbour and Randolph Counties, seven miles from Elkins and five miles from Bellington. The elevation is 3,075 feet and commands a view of approximately 500 square miles. No regular watchman is employed as there is a family living within two hundred feet of the station and these people go to the tower several times daily and make observations, and report any fires discovered to this office from which point they are taken charge of or deputies notified. The station is built only one story high, and is not enclosed. A map table is used and a metal cover to protect it from the weather is provided.
Practically all land in the territory of this station is in small tracts, and as the section is thickly settled and good phone service may be had very few bad fires occur." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
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LICK KNOB
Fayette County
1916: "This station is located in Clear Fork District, Raliegh County, almost on the boundary line between that county and Fayette, three miles from Kingston, and is the supervision of J.E. Woodson. The station may be reached on foot from Kingston. The elevation is 3,150 feet and commands an excellent view of the territory in that section. This station was contracted for in the spring of 1916, and was only completed this summer. However, Luther Proffit of Kingston was placed on duty as temporary watchman and patrolman in various directions several times each day. He receives his mail at Kingston, in care of the Solvay Collieries Company, who will phone the message to him within a few minutes.
One and one-half miles of telephone line have been built connecting with the private line of the Solvay Collieries Company at one of their mines. They agreed to relay messages to the local lines until such time as arrangements can be made to connect direct with these lines." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
April 9, 1926: "A reward of $500 has been offered by the state game and fish commission for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who destroyed the Lick Knob forest fire tower at Kingston, Fayette county. This action was taken by the commission at its meeting last week but was not announced until today.
During the winter when the forest fire hazard is slight the Lick Knob tower is not occupied. That it had been chopped down was not learned until recently when E.N. Wristen, district fire warden, visited the scene and found a mass of wreckage marking the site of the old tower. Since then an investigation has been under way but without result.
Construction of a 60-foot steel tower may be authorized by the commission at its next meeting, it was said today at the office of the commission." (Charleston Daily Mail)
October 10, 1926: "The Lick Knob tower near Kingston, also in Fayette County is connected with the Oak Hill central office." (Telephone service) (Charleston Gazette)
November 28, 1943: "An incident beautiful in what it symbolized occurred Thanksgiving day at the Lick Knob forest fire lookout tower near Kingston.
That afternoon about 3 o'clock an airplane soared over the tower, which extends upward to 3,150 feet above the sea, and the observer there, Ira Sowder, saw a package come tumbling toward the tower. Of course, since this is the heart of America, it wasn't a bomb he saw falling. It was a package of roofing, intended to shelter human heads instead of destroy them.
Herbert L. Sessler, manager of Scott Field, and Claud Sowder, of Glen Rogers, son of the observer, were aboard the plane, and they took the roofing by air because getting it in by trail from Kingston or Pax would have been a great ordeal.
Observer Sowder, impressed by the incident, set down some of his thoughts about it, and we are indebted to him for the privilege of reproducing:
'Thanksgiving day. About 20 visitors. Herb Sessler delivered me a roll of roofing by plane. My son, Claud Sowder, rode with him and 'laid the egg'. It looked like a bomb dropped out. I was glad to get it from above. It would have been hard to have carried it in from Kingston or Pax. We are going to get him to bring us some paint right away. We really thank Mr. Sessler for this cooperation. I wanted Mr. Trump and Mr. Wriston to take the trip with the freight, but they were tied up on account of fires. They had several fires on Thanksgiving day.
'The plane really looked good from my tower, which is 3,150 feet above sea level, 710 feet above Beckley, and I can see fires over four counties.' " (Raleigh Register)
November 28, 1943: "The observer and his son, who operates the Dixon Motor company, at Glen Rogers, built a windmill at the Lick Knob tower which furnishes power to generate electricity for lights and a radio receiving set. Both father and son are adept at mechanics; in fact during the periods when he is not on duty as an observer the father often works with the son in the garage at Glen Rogers." (Raleigh Register)
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LITTLE MOUNTAIN
Pocahontas County USFS
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LONE STAR
Nicholas County
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MANN MOUNTAIN
Fayette County West Virginia Division of Forestry
1935: A 45-foot Blaw-Knox steel tower with a 7 x 7 cab was erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Also the living quarters and surrounding wall were constructed from native rock.
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March 10, 1993: Placed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
West Virginia #1 U.S. #55
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McGOWAN
Tucker County
May 20, 1913: $142.50 was spent on trail and telephone line construction. (West Virginia - Forest, Game & Fish Warden Biennial Report 1913-14)
1916: "This station is located in Black Fork District of Tucker County, three miles from Hambleton, and is under the supervision of F.M. Glenn. The station may be reached on foot from Hambleton. The elevation is 3,354 feet and commands a view of approximately six hundred square miles. The watchman, Clyde Westfall, lives at Hambleton and only stays at the station at night when there is very dry weather. He receives his mail each day at Hambleton, and telegrams can be delivered to him from the same point by phone in ten minutes.
Two and three-fourths miles of phone line have been built. This is known as the "McGowan Line,' and connects with the Mutual Lines at Hendricks. The line is partly built on poles and partly on trees and is in fair condition." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
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MEATOR
Fayette County
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MICHAEL MOUNTAIN
Pocahontas County State
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.
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MIKES KNOB
Greenbrier County
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MINGO (HORSEPEN MOUNTAIN)
Mingo County
October 10, 1926: "The Mingo tower between Williamson and Gilbert in Mingo County will be served by a state forest telephone line." (Charleston Gazette)
September 18, 1938: "W.A. McNees. of Bramwell, district forester for the Pocahontas district has announced that the regular fall training meeting for rangers and observers of the Pocahontas district will be held at the Mingo Mountain Fire Tower on Wednesday, October 5, beginning at 9:30 a.m." (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)
April 27, 1958: "A Mingo Mountain observer's cabin was almost lost in the wake of a 300-acre forest fire this week, but the man charged with setting the fire was bound over to the May Grand Jury on a felony.
James Blankenship, Wharncliffe, Mingo County, was given a preliminary hearing before Justice of the Peace George Ward of Williamson. The man was charged with willfully setting two forest fires in the county. His bond was set at $1,000.00 and his case will go before the Grand Jury in May.
Tony Politino, County forest protector, was fighting fires while his wife manned the fire tower above the observer's cabin on Mingo Mountain. The lady spotted the fire which was set below the cabin near the road, and in turn reported the blaze to the fire warden. Before crews could suppress the fire it had burned to within a few yards of the observer's cabin at the base of the tower." (Post Herald And Register)
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MOUNTAIN VIEW
Pocahontas County State
1914: A lookout was established on this point.
1916: "This station is located in Edra District, Pocahontas County, four and one-half miles from Marlinton, and is under the supervision of F.M. Glenn. The station may be reached on foot or horseback from Marlinton. The elevation is 3,198 feet and commands a view of approximately 450 square miles. The watchman, Warwick Ratliff, lives within one-half miles of the station, and has phone service to his house, so only stays at the station at night during very dry weather. He receives his mail daily from Marlinton, from which point telegrams can be delivered to him within ten minutes by phone.
Three-fourths of a mile of phone line has been built to this station, this being known as the 'Birds Run Line,' and connecting with the Mutual Lines of the Mountain View Orchard. The line is built on poles and is in fair condition." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
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MOZARK MOUNTAIN
Tucker County
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MT DESERT
Kanawha County
December 4, 1927: "During the Christmas holidays members of the hiking club will visit the forest fire tower on Mt. Desert in the vicinity of Putney, where they will spend two days and nights. A cabin has been constructed at this tower which makes it ideal for week-end camps." (Charleston Daily Mail)
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NATHANIEL MOUNTAIN
Hampshire County
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NIGES CLIFF
Pendleton County
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NORTH MOUNTAIN
Berkeley County
1929: A tower was erected.
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NORTH FORK MOUNTAIN
Pendleton County
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OLGA
McDowell County
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OLGA #2
McDowell County
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OLGA #3
McDowell County
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PADDY KNOB
Pocahontas County USFS
1934: A 40-foot tower with a 14 x 14 cab was constructed.
1967: The last year the lookout was staffed.
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PANTHER STATE FOREST
McDowell County West Virginia Division of Forestry
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December 15, 1995: Placed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
West Virginia #3 U.S. #148
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PARTING SPRINGS
Randolph County
October 10, 1926: "The Parting Springs tower is served by a telephone connected with the Ranwood Store at Pickens where messages may be relayed over the lines of the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone company." (Charleston Gazette)
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PICKERING KNOB
Mingo County
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PIGEON ROOST
Grant County
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PIKE KNOB
Pendleton County
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PILOT KNOB
Mercer County
October 10, 1926: "The Pilot Knob tower in Mercer County is connected with the Motoaka central office of the Bluefield Telephone Company." (Charleston Gazette)
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PINNACLE KNOB
Mineral County
1916: "This station is located in Elk District, Mineral County, eight miles from Barnum, and is under the supervision of F.M. Glenn. The station may be reached on foot from Barnum, but carriages or automobiles can get within one mile of station by going from Piedmont. The elevation is 3,327 feet and commands a view of about 800 square miles. The watchman, Charles H. Broadwater, lives five miles from the station, and goes home each night. The station is only one story high, but a cabin will be built in the near future so that the watchman may remain there overnight in extremely dry weather. He receives his mail from Barnum three times each week, and telegrams may be delivered to him from the same point by phone within ten minutes.
Seven miles of phone line have been built to this station, three miles being known as the 'New Creek Line,' and connecting with the Mutual Lines at New Creek. This line is built on both poles and trees and is in fair condition." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
October 10, 1926: "The Pinnacle Knob tower telephone is served from the New Creek Valley line which is connected with the Keyser central office." (Charleston Gazette)
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PLAINS (DOLLY SODS)
Grant/Tucker Counties
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POINT MOUNTAIN
Webster County West Virginia Division of Forestry
May 5, 1963: "A blind forest fire observer? Yes, it's possible.
During the first three days of the past deer season, days that were warm and dry, many Department of Natural Resources fire observers were still on duty in their towers.
Some towers, like the one at Point Mountain in Webster County, keep observers on duty during the full week of deer season for radio dispatching duties. But the man on Point Mountain fire tower was very unique--he was a fire observer, and he was blind.
The observer, E.D. Harrison, was relaying fire traffic for other towers in the area, as well as his own information. With the woods crackling dry and full of deer hunters, quick stabs of forest fires were more fact than fancy.
And Harrison, blind, was there doing his job. Smoke and flames from illegal burning were being reported every afternoon, sometimes at the rate of two or three at a time.
Harrison's eyes had become infected the day before deer season and medical attention called for bandages over both eyes. But because of his knowledge of radio techniques, Harrison's services were needed. The State Road Commission at Webster Springs came to assistance by providing Mr. Emory Messer of Bolair, a man who had never before been in a fire tower, but who indeed had a good pair of eyes.
Messer, acting as Harrison's eyes, spotted the smoke, and Harrison relayed the information to fire control personnel." (Post Herald-Register)
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September 10, 1998: Placed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
West Virginia #6 U.S. #275
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POTATO HILL
Webster County
May 9, 1913: A sum of $81.00 was spent on a contract in the establishment of a lookout structure. (West Virginia - Forest, Game & Fish Warden Biennial Report 1913-14)
1916: "This station is located in Fork Lick District, Webster County, twelve miles from Webster Springs, and is under the supervision of David Frame. The station may be reached on horse-back from Webster Springs. The elevation is 3,550 feet and commands a view of about 700 square miles. The watchman, Roy R. Rutherford, gets his mail at Woodzell twice a week during the fire season, and at Webster Springs outside of the fire season. The nearest telegraph office is Cowen, from which point messages can ordinarily be delivered to the station in one hour. The watchman lives twelve miles from the station and necessarily has to stay at the station each night.
Seven miles of telephone line have been built to the station, four miles being known as the 'Point Mountain Line,' and connecting with the Mutual Lines within one-half mile of Waneta. This line is built on poles and is in good condition. Three miles is known as the 'Potato Hill and Bergoo Line," and connects with the Beverly and Merlinton Lines at Bergoo. This line is built mostly on trees and is in good condition." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
October 10, 1926: "In Webster County the Potato Hill tower is served by telephone lines connected with the central office at Webster Springs." (Charleston Gazette)
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RED OAK
Monogahela National Forest
June 10, 1976: "Vandals have again been at work damaging and destroying public property on the Gauley Ranger District of the Monogahela National Forest. The Red Oak Fire Tower which has been maintained for emergency fire detection and forest communication throughout the Cranberry Back Country and Wilderness Study Area and for use by the W. Va. DNR in their bear tracking program has just recently received such unwarranted destruction.
The electrical service box and wiring have been torn out and damaged beyond repair with the cabin's interior electrical heaters stolen. Locks have been broken to gain entry to the tower cabin with contents of the cabin thrown about. The tower was to have been in use as a communication post during the National Girl Scout Encampment to be held here in Mid June." (The Pocahontas Times)
October 21, 1976: "Recent damages to the Red Oak fire tower by vandals on the Gauley Ranger District, Monogahela National Forest is estimated at $700.00. Electrical service boxes and lines have been torn out, interior contents and fire detection equipment have been damaged and one of the special large pane windows has been broken out.
The Red Oak fire tower has been repeatedly damaged by vandals over the past year. The Army Corp of Engineers who operates a remote flood control station at the tower site recently had $2,500 of flood monitoring equipment removed from the site.
Anyone observing or having information concerning such acts of vandalism are asked to contact the nearest law enforcement authority or U.S. Forest Ranger Station." (The Pocahontas Times)
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RED SPRUCE
Pocahontas County USFS
1940: A 40-foot tower with a 14 x 14 cab was constructed.
1965: The last year that the lookout was staffed.
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RICH MOUNTAIN
Randolph County
July 9, 1925: "The Rich Mountain tower in Randolph county has an average observation range of 20 miles and in some directions forests for 30 miles can be observed from it." (Charleston Gazette)
October 10, 1926: "The Rich Mountain tower in Randolph county is connected with the central office of Beverly>" (Telephone service) (Charleston Gazette)
1999: The lookout tower was purchased by the Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort, dismantled and re-erected at the resort.
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ROUND KNOB
Raleigh County
October 10, 1926: "The Round Knob tower, in Raleigh County is served by the Beckley central office." (Telephone service) (Charleston Gazette)
August 8, 1928: "The state game and fish commission announced Tuesday that construction on the new 75-foot steel observation tower for forest-fire wardens to be located on Round Knob, Raleigh county, will start within two weeks. Round Knob is located near the head of Little Beaver river and has an altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level.
The tower will be connected by telephone to the Beckley exchange and will be under the supervision of a new district ranger." (Charleston Daily Mail)
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SAND SPRING
Preston County
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SHARP'S KNOB
Pocahontas County USFS
1937: A 40-foot tower with a 14 x 14 cab was constructed.
1970: The last year the lookout was staffed.
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SHAWNEE MOUNTAIN
McDowell County
October 10, 1926: "The Shawnee Mountain tower in McDowell County is connected with the Northfork central office of the Bluefield Telephone Company." (Charleston Gazette)
November 13, 1939: "State Forester Dan Griffin reported today a widespread search in progress for a fire tower watchman missing 36 hours during a new outbreak of forest fires.
All efforts to reach William Thompson at his station atop Shawnee mountain in McDowell county have failed, Griffin said.
The official said the aid of the state police has been enlisted. A separate search of the mountainous areas near the tower is being conducted." (Steubenville Herald Star)
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SIDELING HILL
Morgan County
1929: A tower was erected.
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SIGNAL KNOB
Greenbrier County
October 10, 1926: "The tower at Signal Knob near Wildell in Greenbrier County is connected by National Forest telephone circuits." (Charleston Gazette)
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SIGNAL KNOB
Pocahontas County State
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c.1915 - 4th Biennial Report FG&F Warden
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1913-14: "Wildell Lumber Company furnished lumber and assisted in construction of Signal Knob Station." (Biennial Report - Forest, Game & Fish Warden - West Virginia - 1913-14)
1916: "This station is located in Green Bank District, Pocahontas County, two miles from Wildell, and is under supervision of F.M. Glenn. The station may be reached on foot from Wildell. The elevation is 4,200 feet, and commands a view of approximately 900 square miles. The watchman, Paul Jones, lives two miles from the station and goes home each night except in very dry weather. He receives his mail daily at Wildell, from which point telegrams can be delivered to him by phone in ten minutes.
Two miles of phone line, known as the 'Signal Knob Line," has been built to the station, and connects with the Association line at Wildell. This line is built on trees and is in fair condition." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
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SLEEPY CREEK MOUNTAIN
Berkeley County
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SMOKE CAMP KNOB
Pocahontas County Monogahela National Forest
April 16, 1928: "During the spring months the Monogahela acquired its first pack animal. A Jenny or burro.
The Jenny performed faithful service packing supplies to trail, telephone, and other improvement crews. She was very effectively used in carrying equipment for a small maintenance crew. During the construction of the Smoke Camp Lookout Tower the cook made two trips a day with the Jenny to a nearby spring. After tying two casks of water to the burro, she faithfully returned every time ahead of the cook. After the completion of the tower the burro was used to pack equipment and supplies from the tower to Ranger Station. In making the last trip the Jenny was fatally kicked by a pinto. It was necessary to shoot her. She was buried at the foot of the tower with full honors, and the towerman will erect a stone slab to mark her last resting place. - D. 7 Digest" (Forest Service Bulletin, Vol.XII. No. 16)
1928: A 30-foot lookout tower was erected.
1950: The final year of staffing for this tower.
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SNAGGY MOUNTAIN
Preston County
January 1, 1925: "Construction of a 60-foot steel tower with modern equipment on Snaggy Mountain, just over the West Virginia line, and which will cover 4,000 acres of forest in Maryland, will begin this week, according to Karl Pfeiffer, assistant state forester.
Cost of replacing the wooden lookout now used on the Garrett county side of the mountain will be borne by West Virginia, and Maryland will pay for the cost of maintaining it and also man the structure with three deputy wardens. This marks another step in the co-operative program of fire prevention work by Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania." (Cumberland Evening Times)
July 9, 1925: "One of the finest observation towers in the state has been placed in operation on Snaggy mountain, near Terra Alta, and will be operated jointly by the forest protection officials of West Virginia and Maryland. Forests for 15 miles in any direction can be protected from the tower in West Virginia and for ten miles in any direction in Maryland." (Charleston Gazette)
October 10, 1926: "The Snaggy Mountain tower on the Maryland-West Virginia state line is owned jointly by both states. It is connected with the central offices at Terra Alta, W.Va. and Oakland, Md." (Charleston Gazette)
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SPRUCE KNOB
Pendleton County
1916: "This station is now being constructed in Circleville District, Pendleton County, and will be under the supervision of F.M. Glenn. It is located on the extreme top of Spruce Knob, the highest point in the state, 4,860 feet, and naturally commands an excellent view of the surrounding territory. Moses R. Bennett was put on duty as watchman during the spring season of 1916, in order to give him a chance to get acquainted with the people, and to distribute literature until such time as a station could be built. The country surrounding this station contains much fine timber, and is not very thickly settled. No data is yet available as to the amount of territory visible from the station but probably something near 1,000 square miles will be protected." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
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SNOWSHOE
Pocahontas County Private
1999: The tower was purchased from the Department of Natural Resources for the sum of one dollar, dismantled and moved to Snowshoe.
2000: After the tower was reconditioned to original specs, it was painted and re-assembled. The 80 foot tower is used as an attraction.
Standing
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SPRING MOUNTAIN
Logan County
October 10, 1926: "The Spring Mountain tower on the Boone-Logan County line at the head of Pond Fork of Little Coal River as present only has a forest telephone line connection but it is planned to connect this station at Blair with a line working out of Madison central office." (Charleston Gazette)
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STOP KNOB
Fayette County
October 10, 1926: "The Stop Knob tower near Powellton in Fayette County is served from the Montgomery central office." (Telephone service) (Charleston Gazette)
April 26, 1929: The Southern West Virginia Fire Protective association appropriated $400 to construct living quarters for the observer at Stop Knob, Fayette county. (Charleston Daily Mail)
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SUGAR GROVE KNOB
Greenbrier County
1916: "This station is located in Wilderness District, Nicholas County, six miles from Burdette Creek Store, and is under the supervision of David Frame. The station may be reached from Burdette Creek Store by carriage or on horseback. The elevation is 3,158 feet and commands a view of about 400 square miles. The watchman, O.O. Nutter, lives one-half mile from the station, and only stays at the station at night in extremely dry weather. He receives his mail from Nutterville three times each week, and telegrams may be delivered to him in about three hours from Rainelle.
Fifteen miles of telephone line have been built to the station, eight miles being known as the 'Nutterville Line,' and connecting with the Meadow Bluff Mutual Lines at J.J. Nutters. Seven miles is known as the 'Hickory Flat Divide Line,' and connects with a local line at Russelville. These lines are built mostly on poles and are in good condition except for a short distance where timber is now being cut." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
October 10, 1926: "The tower at Sugar Grove Knob is connected by National Forest telephone circuits." (Charleston Gazette)
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TAMS MOUNTAIN
Raleigh County West Virginia Division of Forestry
February 24, 1935: "Recently when a girl of a mountain family in Wyoming county was taken seriously ill and when it was found that high waters in a creek prevented an ambulance approaching near the mountain home, the family asked a detail of CCC workers to help.
The detail, erecting a telephone line to the new fire tower on the top of Tams mountain, immediately dispatched four of the workers with stretchers to the mountain home. They carried the sick girl over a narrow mountain trail several miles to the road where she was placed aboard the ambulance.
With the job completed they merely returned to their task under the forestry foreman.
The detail is composed of members of Company 1538, Camp Wyoming. Pineville. Captain John West, Charleston, is the army officer in charge." (Charleston Gazette)
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June 1, 1998: Placed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
West Virginia #5 U.S. #269
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THORNY MOUNTAIN
Pocahontas County West Virginia Division of Forestry Seneca State Forest
1935: The lookout duties were transferred to this new site from Michael Mountain.
November 28, 1937: "A new type fire tower--with observer's cabin and living quarters atop a 40-foot steel framework--was completed recently on Thorny Mountain in Seneca State Forest. This tower, of the type used by the federal government in the far west, enables the observer to work, sleep and eat in his quarters 40 feet above the ground. CCC labor from Camp Seneca constructed it." (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)
1988: The last year the lookout was staffed.
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June 3, 1993: Placed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
West Virginia #2 U.S. #63
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Standing
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TICK RIDGE
Wayne County State
1935: The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed a new lookout at thiis site.
Standing
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TIP TOP
Preston County
1916: "This station is located in Portland District, Preston County, two miles from Amblersburg, and is under the supervision of F.M. Glenn. The station may be reached on foot or horse-back from Amblersburg. The elevation is 3,000 feet and commands a view of approximately 700 square miles. The watchman, Robert F. Arnold, lives a quarter of a mile from the station, and does not stay at the station at night except in extremely dry weather. He receives his mail daily on Route 4, from Terra Alta. Telegrams can be delivered to the station from Terra Alta in about thirty minutes.
One and one-half miles of phone line, known as the 'Arnold Line,' and connecting with the Consolidated Company lines at Rowlesburg Road have been built. This line is built on both poles and trees and is in fair condition." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
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TURKEY MOUNTAIN
Webster County
1913-14: "The Pardee and Curtin Lumber Company, of Curtin, contributed $200.00 for the purpose of building and equipping lookout station on Turkey Mountain, in Webster County." (Biennial Report - Forest, Game & Fish Warden - West Virginia - 1913-14)
1916: "This station is located in Fork Lick District, Webster County, twelve miles from Webster Springs, and is under the supervision of David Frame. The station may be reached on horse-back from Webster Springs. The elevation is 3,887 feet and commands a view of 325 square miles. A very high tower has been built of poles near the station and a platform placed on top of this, from which a view of about 525 square miles may be obtained. The watchman remains at the station each night during fire season. His mail is delivered to him once each week from Webster Springs, and telegrams can be forwarded to him within one hour from Cowen.
Five miles of telephone line have been built to the station. This is known as the 'State Telephone Line,' and connects with the Beverly and Marlinton lines on top of Elk Mountain. Connection is also made with a line owned by the Central West Virginia Fire Protective Association at the home of Bernard Baughman. This line is built on poles and trees and is in good condition." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
December 14, 1923: "Trooper Levi Bullion of the West Virginia State Police was commended recently by his superior officer, Colonel Jackson Arnold, for his heroism in carrying an injured hunter, James Lockhart, for a distance of ten miles to the lookout station of Rimfire Hamrick on Turkey Mountain, thus saving the man's life." (Bessemer Herald - Michigan)
October 10, 1926: "In Webster County the Turkey Mountain tower is served by telephone lines connected with the central office at Webster Springs." (Charleston Gazette)
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WATKINS HILL
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WEISS KNOB
Tucker County
May 20, 1913: A sum of $137.48 was expended on trail and telephone line construction. (West Virgina - Forest, Game & Fish Warden Biennial Report 1913-14)
1916: "This station is located in Tucker County, and is under the supervision of F.M. Glenn. It is at an elevation of 4,490 feet, and good service has been secured from it in the past. However, during the past year it was necessary to abandon it, temporarily, in order to secure a watchman at another point. A watchman will probably be put on duty there again within a short time." (4th Biennial Report of the Forest, Game and Fish Warden)
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WHITE OAK KNOB
Boone County
February 20, 1938: "One new wooden fire tower was added to the detection system during the period of this report. It is located on White Oak knob in Boone county at an elevation of 2,000 feet." (Bluefield Daily Telegraph) From the 2nd half 1937 report by District Ranger.
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WILLIAMS HILL
October 10, 1926: "From the Williams Hill tower there is a telephone line to Seth, Boone County, from which point messages can be transmitted through the Charleston long distance office." (Charleston Gazette)
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