ARKANSAS LOOKOUTS
HIGH PEAK (SIGNAL TOWER #2)
Montgomery County
Arkansas National Forest > Ouachita National Forest
3S-24W-19
Arkansas National Forest > Ouachita National Forest
3S-24W-19
1912: "The cost of material and erection of five wooden towers, including construction of roads and pack trails, stub telephone line, and equipment, was $2,100, or an average of $420 each. The net cost of towers and range-finding device alone was not over $800 each. Iron towers 40 feet high can be erected at $400 each.
The tower proper has an addition 12 by 12 feet, which may be constructed in the form of a lean-to for living quarters for the fire guard, who is required to remain in the tower day and night during the fire season. It was possible in most cases to employ men with small families for the lookout work. The bottom of the tower, which is also 12 by 12 feet, afforded another room for their use.
The various towers were from 20 to 30 feet high, according to the topographical conditions on the mountain tops. In the long run, steel structures would be more economical, and, indeed, there is not a great difference in first cost. However, in this connection it is well to consider carefully the danger from electrical storms, which would be greatly increased by the use of steel, a danger likely to be much magnified in the minds of the class of people who could be employed as temporary fireguards.
The roof of the wooden tower is a truncated pyramid and of the iron tower a truncated cone, to furnish a flat upper deck approximately 5 feet square. This deck is rain proof and made accessible by a hatchway 18 by 24 inches. A movable ladder leads from the second story to this opening. (Bulletin #113)
The tower proper has an addition 12 by 12 feet, which may be constructed in the form of a lean-to for living quarters for the fire guard, who is required to remain in the tower day and night during the fire season. It was possible in most cases to employ men with small families for the lookout work. The bottom of the tower, which is also 12 by 12 feet, afforded another room for their use.
The various towers were from 20 to 30 feet high, according to the topographical conditions on the mountain tops. In the long run, steel structures would be more economical, and, indeed, there is not a great difference in first cost. However, in this connection it is well to consider carefully the danger from electrical storms, which would be greatly increased by the use of steel, a danger likely to be much magnified in the minds of the class of people who could be employed as temporary fireguards.
The roof of the wooden tower is a truncated pyramid and of the iron tower a truncated cone, to furnish a flat upper deck approximately 5 feet square. This deck is rain proof and made accessible by a hatchway 18 by 24 inches. A movable ladder leads from the second story to this opening. (Bulletin #113)