CCC Bunker Observation Tower
–Franklin D. Roosevelt
Cheaha State Park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933 and has the distinct honor of being Alabama's oldest state park. During the Great Depression, the CCC built only two stone fire observation towers in Alabama (one on Cheaha and the other on Flagg Mountain).
The CCC knew Alabama's highest point needed an enduring structure. The tower was dedicated to the park on April 4, 1936, and is made of Cheaha Quartzite. The tower is approximately 50 feet high with walls 2 feet thick. It is located on Alabama's highest point at 2,407 feet above sea level.
The Bunker Observation Tower serves the state of Alabama in many ways. It houses the park museums, provides an excellent view of the surrounding area, and is occasionally utilized by Talladega National Forest as a "fire tower" to look for smoke on the horizon. Hundreds of thousands of visitors explore the Talladega National Forest, Cheaha Mountains, and Cheaha State Park each year with most of them climbing to the top of Bunker Observation Tower.
Background Photo by: R. Raney
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 4, 1936.
Location. 33° 29.11′ N, 85° 48.512′ W. Marker is in Delta, Alabama, in Clay County. Located within Cheaha State Park, in the Talladega National Forest. Entrance fee charged. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19644 AL-281, Delta AL 36258, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Alabama's Highest Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps (approx. half a mile away); Managing Public Land (approx. half a mile away); Native American Footsteps (approx. 0.7 miles away); Home Sweet Home (approx. 0.7 miles away); Won't You Be My Neighbor (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Today (approx. 8 miles away); Charcoal Production at Caver-Christian-Davis Farm (approx. 8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Delta.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 809 times since then and 170 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 17, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
