CONNECTICUT LOOKOUTS
MOHAWK MOUNTAIN
Cornwall
Litchfield County
Litchfield County
October 9, 1921: "There are at present four of the lookout towers in operation in Connecticut: A fifth tower is now under construction on Memorial Foundation. This tower will be completed in time to be of use during the fall fire season, and will overlook a large forest territory not visible from the other towers." (Hartford Courant)
1922: "Through the assistance of the White Memorial Foundation, which presented the Mohawk State Forest to the State as described elsewhere in this report, a lookout tower has been constructed on the summit of Mohawk Mountain. This tower commands a splendid view of the northwestern part of the state, and even as far west as as the Catskills on a clear day. There are now five of these lookout stations in operation in the northern part of the state. More are needed to protect the southern part." (Report of State Park and Forest Commission)
July 24, 1924: "On the summit of Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall is a substantially constructed lookout tower. A watchman is maintained during the forest fire season, who is always glad to indicate points of interest to visitors. Those who have seen the motion picture, 'Trees of Tomorrow' will recognize him. The forest roundabout is interesting from a botanical standpoint because the paper birch of the north woods mixes here with the oak and chestnut of the Appalachian type." (The Bridgeport Telegram)
August 5, 1929: "No trip to Mohawk is complete without a visit to the fire tower. The tower clears the tree tops and in every direction the landscape sweeps away in waves of forest-clad hills. Lying between them are many fertile valleys dotted by villages and towns and inland here and there by the silvery sheen of green-bordered lakes. Once seen, you will return again and again for its thrill enters the blood and becomes a part of your being.
Glad as the state forestry department is to welcome visitors to the tower. It is there for a more serious purpose. Here during the dry seasons a keen eyed fire guard keeps vigil to watch for smoke of the dreaded forest fire." (The Day)
July 10, 1934: "The Mohawk State Forest fire lookout tower will be open to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the summer, it was announced Monday from Camp Toumey, CCC unit stationed at West Goshen. The tower has an elevation of 1680 feet and commands a superb view of the surrounding country." (Hartford Courant)
August 20, 1937: "A new steel lookout tower for the Connecticut Forest Fire Service has been erected on the summit of Mohawk Mountain, in the Mohawk State Forest, Cornwall.
The tower replaces a wooden structure built in 1922, first state-owned lookout station in the Mohawk Forest. The spot is considered one of the most important fire observations posts west of the Connecticut River and the Forest Fire Service maintains an observer there in all except the winter months.
A highway built by the CCC leads to the summit of Mohawk Mountain and many visitors climb the stairs to the lookout platform of the tower. The distance is 37 feet to the floor of the platform, which is inclosed with glass.
Cost of the steel for the tower was $350. Assistant State Fire Warden C.H. Lathrop said. The work of tearing down the wooden tower and erecting the new one was done by forestry workmen." (Hartford Courant)