Fire Lookouts
In the 1920s and 1930s, the Forest Service began building access roads, communication systems, and received equipment and manpower to effectively control fires. Suppression, However, still depended on early detection. In the technology of the time, this required manned lookout stations on most National Forests.
The Civilian Conservation Corps built several fire lookouts in the Big Horn Mountains. Three of these remain today, but are only manned in seasons with the highest fire danger levels.
This is one such station. The lookout was the summer home of an individual or couple who kept watch for and reported signs of fire. They also had time for wildlife watching, and during summer storms watched spectacular natural "fireworks" as lightning struck the surrounding peaks. The station stood protected by grounded points that drained the static electricity from the lookout.
Erected by USDA Forest Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list.
Location. 44° 9.068′
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Regionally, this marker is in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 17 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Died in the Line of Duty (approx. 1.4 miles away); Company 841 (approx. 1.4 miles away); Tensleep Canyon (approx. 6.3 miles away); Leigh Creek Monument (approx. 6.4 miles away); Bighorn National Forest (approx. 7.1 miles away); First Washakie County Church (approx. 8.7 miles away); Site of South Wagon (approx. 16.4 miles away); Spring Creek Raid (approx. 16.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ten Sleep.
Also see . . . National Historic Lookout Register. (Submitted on July 8, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on July 31, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2020, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker showing its location in context. • Can you help?
