ALABAMA LOOKOUTS
UNION HILL (BRINDLEY MOUNTAIN)
Morgan County
Alabama Forestry Commission > Private
Alabama Forestry Commission > Private
January 6, 1963: "Morgan County is scheduled to have its first fire tower this year. It is to be located near the eastern edge of the county, south of Highway 36. There, the elevation is said to be about 1,300 feet and the tower will be able to keep the entire county under surveillance. It will be the hundred-foot steel type, will be equipped with both two-way radio and telephone and will be manned during all periods of fire hazards." (The Decatur Daily)
March 1, 1964: "Morgan County's first fire tower is nearing completion. Located on a high hill in the eastern part of the county midway between the Cotaco and Union Hill schools, this tower will cover all of Morgan and parts of neighboring counties." (The Decatur Daily)
April 2, 1964: "Morgan County's first fire tower, not quite completed yet, is nevertheless in operation
It stands silent guard to the east, on the highest spot in the county -- a lofty perch from which parts of not only Morgan, but Limestone County as well unfold in a tableau somehow reminiscent of an artfully executed patchwork quilt.
Morgan County's first, and only, fire tower is made of steel. It rises off a mountain that is 1,280 feet high near Union Hill. The tower itself is 80 feet in height so when a Ranger looks out of its six-by-six glassed enclosure at the top he stands 1,360 feet above the flat terrain far below.
The tower has a telephone now. Soon, according to Forest Ranger Charles W. Nichols, of Hartselle, it will have a two-way radio, a necessary item in the pursuit and the conquering of woodland blazes." (The Decatur Daily)
July 5, 1964: "Due to the lack of funds and personnel, the newly erected fire tower in the eastern part of Morgan County has not yet been manned. Where fires in Morgan County other than on Wheeler Refuge are concerned, please report these by calling County Fire Ranger C. W. Nichols at Hartselle." (The Decatur Daily)
August 2019: The lookout site deeded to private ownership.
NOTICE: August 27, 2019: The lookout property and all improvements have passed into private ownership. The owner has requested that the public respect private property rights. Past vandalism has made the prospects of restoring the site as a historic reminder considerably more difficult. Thank you for honoring this request.