NEW YORK LOOKOUTS
NINHAM MOUNTAIN
Putnam County
May 26, 1922: "Mt. Ninham in the town of Kent, highest point in Putnam county with an elevation of 1426 feet, and commonly known as Zackery's Lookout or Smalley Mountain, is being very favorably considered by the Federal and State Forestry authorities as the spot on which to erect an observation tower.
Harry Ferris, of Cold Spring, Putnam county forest ranger, accompanied by C. R. Tillotson, supervisor of Forests in the United States Agricultural Dep't., Washington, D.C., made a tour of the county last week looking over available sites for an observation post and both were so greatly impressed with the wide range of view from Zackery's Lookout in all directions that they will recommend the location of Putnam's observation post on this site.
The Forestry authorities are interested in placing an observer in this proposed tower to watch for forest fires over the surrounding country. The elevation of this spot together with an excellent view of all wooded sections about it makes it ideal for this purpose.
Zackery's Lookout a few years ago was visited by many people during each summer season. There was a tower built up of rough wood, a rustic affair, but it was a considerable distance over the trees and afforded many people an excellent view. On a clear day with a good telescope it is possible to see New York harbor, and a view of the Hudson is provided for several miles of its course.
Practically every body of water in Putnam county can be seen from this point which at times is above the clouds, and the view is one of the most magnificent to be had anywhere.
Zachery's Lookout can be reached from Carmel by following the road past the county farm to the old Arsenic mine and there turning left following the road up the hill to the residence of Hamilton Townsend. The route from Mr. Townsend's leads through the fields to the top of the mountain.
The erection of a durable tower of fifty feet at this point will draw hundreds of people to get a view of the surrounding country and when built will be open to the public.
We trust the Forestry authorities will be able to secure the erection of this tower." (Putnam County Courier)
Harry Ferris, of Cold Spring, Putnam county forest ranger, accompanied by C. R. Tillotson, supervisor of Forests in the United States Agricultural Dep't., Washington, D.C., made a tour of the county last week looking over available sites for an observation post and both were so greatly impressed with the wide range of view from Zackery's Lookout in all directions that they will recommend the location of Putnam's observation post on this site.
The Forestry authorities are interested in placing an observer in this proposed tower to watch for forest fires over the surrounding country. The elevation of this spot together with an excellent view of all wooded sections about it makes it ideal for this purpose.
Zackery's Lookout a few years ago was visited by many people during each summer season. There was a tower built up of rough wood, a rustic affair, but it was a considerable distance over the trees and afforded many people an excellent view. On a clear day with a good telescope it is possible to see New York harbor, and a view of the Hudson is provided for several miles of its course.
Practically every body of water in Putnam county can be seen from this point which at times is above the clouds, and the view is one of the most magnificent to be had anywhere.
Zachery's Lookout can be reached from Carmel by following the road past the county farm to the old Arsenic mine and there turning left following the road up the hill to the residence of Hamilton Townsend. The route from Mr. Townsend's leads through the fields to the top of the mountain.
The erection of a durable tower of fifty feet at this point will draw hundreds of people to get a view of the surrounding country and when built will be open to the public.
We trust the Forestry authorities will be able to secure the erection of this tower." (Putnam County Courier)
June 24, 1927: "Announcement was made this week that Hamilton F. Townsend has sold his 550 acre tract of land in the town of Kent to the Putnam County Estates, Inc. The consideration is reported between $35,000 and $50,000.
This property is situated 3 miles west of Carmel and is probably the choicest hill in the county the peak of which is 1426 feet above sea level and the highest in the county. Some years ago a tower was situated on the peak of the hill and was known as Zackery's Lookout. Efforts are now being made by the State Conservation Commission to locate a Forest Fire Watch tower there." (Putnam County Courier)
March 29, 1929: "Mr. Ferris informed us that William O'Brien, an inspector of the Conservation Commission, spent two days last week with him in Putnam looking over the fire protection system and said that as soon as the fire season is over he will take up the matter of establishing a fire station on Zackery's Lookout and erecting a 60 foot observation tower there which is the highest point in Putnam county with an elevation of 1426." (Putnam County Courier)