MINNESOTA LOOKOUTS
RAIL PRAIRIE
Morrison County
March 22, 1929: "With a fifth tower, which may be erected west of Ft. Ripley, a complete coverage of the district can be made, except in very hazy weather." (The Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
April 14, 1930: "Another tower is nearing completion at Rail Prairie, south of Pillager." (The Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
April 17, 1930: "A fire warden's cabin is being built by the state forestry department, also a steel lookout tower on one of the high hills in section 21 of Rail Prairie township and a man will be kept there during the fire hazard season to afford better fire protection for that section of the county." (The Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
August 11, 1930: "Scott Mitchell of Pine River was placed on duty as towerman at the Rail Prairie tower this morning." (The Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
September 20, 1930: "Scott Mitchell, who has charge of the forestry tower near Pillager, was a recent visitor in the city." (The Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
May 2, 1931: "Smoke from a sweeping fire in the vicinity of the Rail Prairie lookout tower could be seen in Brainerd today. The fire gained headway Friday afternoon. Fighting the flames forestry men were losing a hard battle. The fire swept over the area of the lookout tower and John Devine, lookout man, was trapped in the tower for three hours while flames leaped around the structure. He closed all windows in the tower to prevent being overcome by the heavy smoke." (The Brainerd Daily Dispatch)