NORTH CAROLINA LOOKOUTS
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN
McDowell/Rutherford County
North Carolina Division of Forest Resources
North Carolina Division of Forest Resources
November 20, 1931: "A cabin is being erected on top of Pinnacle Mountain near the McDowell-Rutherford line, which will be of aid in locating forest fires. The state department of conservation and development is co-operating in erecting the cabin, which will be completed soon. Chief State Forester E. P. Simmons, of Lenoir, has been in the county assisting in erecting the cabin." (Asheville Citizen-Times)
May 27, 1932: "A steel tower to replace the present wood structure on Pinnacle mountain, Rutherford county, is being planned. This tower will cost between $700 and $900." (Asheville Citizen-Times)
November 11, 1932: "A steel fire lookout tower, 47 feet high and costing $850, will be erected soon on Pinnacle Mountain in Rutherford county. W.K. Beichler, in charge of Districts one and two for the State Department of Conservation and Development, said yesterday. One half the expense will be paid by the state forest service and one half by Rutherford county and the Hutton-Bourbonnais Lumber company.
The tower is to be a unit in the department's fire protection program in the South Mountain area of Burke and Rutherford counties." (Asheville Citizen-Times)
1930-32: A 10 x 12 cabin was erected, the cabin is occupied by the lookout man on duty during fire season. "Cabins will be placed at all towers in isolated locations where it is necessary for the lookout man to remain at the tower for a continued period of fire weather." (Department of Conservation and Development - 4th Biennial Report 1930-32)
1930-32: A 10 x 12 cabin was erected, the cabin is occupied by the lookout man on duty during fire season. "Cabins will be placed at all towers in isolated locations where it is necessary for the lookout man to remain at the tower for a continued period of fire weather." (Department of Conservation and Development - 4th Biennial Report 1930-32)
1934: The wooden tower was replaced with a 45-foot 9-inch steel tower using ECW funds. (Department of Conservation and Development - 5th Biennial Report 1932-34)
1934: The wooden tower was replaced with a 45-foot 9-inch steel tower using ECW funds. (Department of Conservation and Development - 5th Biennial Report 1932-34)