WEST VIRGINIA LOOKOUTS
SMOKE CAMP KNOB
Pocahontas County
Monogahela National Forest
Monogahela National Forest
April 16, 1928: "During the spring months the Monogahela acquired its first pack animal. A Jenny or burro.
The Jenny performed faithful service packing supplies to trail, telephone, and other improvement crews. She was very effectively used in carrying equipment for a small maintenance crew. During the construction of the Smoke Camp Lookout Tower the cook made two trips a day with the Jenny to a nearby spring. After tying two casks of water to the burro, she faithfully returned every time ahead of the cook. After the completion of the tower the burro was used to pack equipment and supplies from the tower to Ranger Station. In making the last trip the Jenny was fatally kicked by a pinto. It was necessary to shoot her. She was buried at the foot of the tower with full honors, and the towerman will erect a stone slab to mark her last resting place. - D. 7 Digest" (Forest Service Bulletin, Vol.XII. No. 16)
The Jenny performed faithful service packing supplies to trail, telephone, and other improvement crews. She was very effectively used in carrying equipment for a small maintenance crew. During the construction of the Smoke Camp Lookout Tower the cook made two trips a day with the Jenny to a nearby spring. After tying two casks of water to the burro, she faithfully returned every time ahead of the cook. After the completion of the tower the burro was used to pack equipment and supplies from the tower to Ranger Station. In making the last trip the Jenny was fatally kicked by a pinto. It was necessary to shoot her. She was buried at the foot of the tower with full honors, and the towerman will erect a stone slab to mark her last resting place. - D. 7 Digest" (Forest Service Bulletin, Vol.XII. No. 16)
1928: A 30-foot lookout tower was erected.
1950: The final year of staffing for this tower.
Removed