VIRGINIA LOOKOUTS
FORK MOUNTAIN
Madison County
Virginia Department of Forestry
Virginia Department of Forestry
September 10, 1929: "A fire observation tower is to be erected at once on top of Fork Mountain, in Madison County, overlooking President Hoover's camp, according to announcement just made by District Fire Warden W. H. Stoneburner, of Charlottesville, who has just returned from Madison, where, in company with W. M. Utz, chief fire warden of that county, a trip was made to Fork Mountain and a site for the tower decided upon.
The tower will be at the highest point on the mountain, and will command a view of a large part of the proposed Shenandoah National Park, on the east side of the Blue Ridge, and on clear days, Washington may be seen.
The tower will be thirty-five feet high, and the observation chamber will be six by eight feet. Marines from the President's camp will assist in its erection, and will, when necessary, act as lookouts. The tower will have telephone connections and will be a protection to the President's lodge against fires. On days when visability is low, airplanes will patrol the park area." (The Times Dispatch)
The tower will be at the highest point on the mountain, and will command a view of a large part of the proposed Shenandoah National Park, on the east side of the Blue Ridge, and on clear days, Washington may be seen.
The tower will be thirty-five feet high, and the observation chamber will be six by eight feet. Marines from the President's camp will assist in its erection, and will, when necessary, act as lookouts. The tower will have telephone connections and will be a protection to the President's lodge against fires. On days when visability is low, airplanes will patrol the park area." (The Times Dispatch)
October 28, 1929: "One of the three steel towers built this year by the State Forest Service is in Madison County on Fork Mountain, about a mile in direct line from President Hoover's summer camp. The tower directly overlooks the camp.
This tower was constructed to facilitate forest fire protection in the proposed Shenandoah National Park Area, particularly near the site of the President's camp. But it also makes it possible for President Hoover and his weekend guests to secure a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This tower has been built 35 feet high and with an inside stairway to make an easy climb above the surrounding timber." (Harrisonburg Daily News)