NORTH CAROLINA LOOKOUTS
BARNETT KNOB
Swain/Jackson County
Cherokee Indian Reservation / National Park Service
Cherokee Indian Reservation / National Park Service
August 4, 1932: "The crew of men, working on the construction of a fire lookout on Barnett's Knob, on the line between Swain and Jackson counties in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area, has completed the foundation and placed two of the steel sections. Six sections, eight feet each, are to be erected.
The tower will probably be completed by the last of next week, the time depending on how soon the concrete work will be ready for the placing of the steel units.
A cabin, to house the keeper of the lookout, is also to be built. A Cherokee Indian is to be placed in the lookout, but he has not been appointed as yet. The telephone line to the tower was completed some time ago." (Asheville Citizen-Times)
The tower will probably be completed by the last of next week, the time depending on how soon the concrete work will be ready for the placing of the steel units.
A cabin, to house the keeper of the lookout, is also to be built. A Cherokee Indian is to be placed in the lookout, but he has not been appointed as yet. The telephone line to the tower was completed some time ago." (Asheville Citizen-Times)
March 1, 1933: "Officials of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park have announced that fire wardens have been placed in different sections of the park or will go on duty March 1.
Six men will be on duty in Haywood county, starting March 1. The regular warden, Crow, a Cherokee Indian, who is in charge of the fire tower at Barnett's Knob is ill but another man is in his place until he recovers. He will be on duty continuously during the fire season. Three other wardens are in Swain county, going on duty Monday." (Asheville Citizen-Times)
March 29, 1934: "The wedding of Albert Crowe and Miss Regina Welch marked the highest peak local society ever reached.
On the day set for the marriage the bridegroom, a watchman in the fire tower on top of Barnet's Knob, was unable to find a substitute sentinel. In the forest service, a watchman leaving his post unguarded is unheard of." (Galveston Daily News - Texas)
July 29, 1934: "A spur camp for 50 men from the Civilian Conservation Corps camp at Mingus Creek, Company 1215, is being built at Big Cove, at the mouth of Straight Fork, and will be ready for occupancy shortly. The men will construct five miles of motor road, 12 feet wide, from the mouth of Straight Fork toward the fire lookout on Barnett's Knob." (Asheville Citizen-Times)