Welcome to the Ojibway Fire Tower, a sentinel of history perched upon the Greenstone Ridge in Isle Royale National Park, Michigan. This tower, rising amidst the dense forest, is a testament to both human ingenuity and nature’s unforgiving power.
The story of the Ojibway Fire Tower begins in 1936 when the Isle Royale was designated a national park. Shortly thereafter, that same year, the Greenstone Ridge Fire swept through the island, highlighting the need for better fire surveillance. In response, the National Park Service constructed two wooden fire towers in 1939, one of which was established on Mount Ojibway. This wooden tower, along with its counterpart, served as a crucial lookout point to protect the island’s unique ecosystem.
However, by the 1950s, these timber-framed towers had succumbed to the harsh elements and were in a state of disrepair. Plans to replace them were drawn up by 1961, but it wasn’t until 1963 that funding was secured, leading to the demolition of the original structure. Construction of the new steel-framed Ojibway Fire Tower began in 1964 and was completed in 1965. This new tower was based on the US Forest Service’s ‘Standard Steel Lookout Tower with Living Quarters’ design, featuring a 14 by 14-foot cab with panoramic views, surrounded by a metal balcony.
Interestingly, just three years after its completion, the fire management strategies on the island evolved, and the tower was no longer actively staffed for fire-watching. Instead, it found a new purpose as a radio repeater station, facilitating communication across the island. In 1987, it gained yet another role, housing equipment to monitor air pollution, underscoring its adaptability and continued relevance.
In 2021, the Ojibway Fire Tower, along with the other fire towers on the island, was recognized for its historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places. This designation not only honors its past utility but also its enduring presence in the landscape of Isle Royale.
As you stand at the intersection of the Greenstone Ridge and Mount Ojibway Trails, imagine the dedicated lookouts of the past, scanning the horizon for signs of smoke, and the quiet hum of radio transmissions that have echoed from its heights. The Ojibway Fire Tower remains a silent witness to the island’s history, a guardian of its past, and a beacon for its future.
