Welcome to the Old Crane Mountain Fire Tower Location, a significant historical site nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. This site, once home to a vital fire tower, played a crucial role in the forest conservation efforts of the early 20th century.
The story of the Crane Mountain Fire Tower begins in 1911 when a wooden tower was first erected on the summit to serve as a lookout post for forest fires. This was a time when the threat of forest fires was increasing due to the expansion of railroads and tourism, leading to devastating fires that consumed thousands of acres of woodland. The first observer of this tower was James Burch from Athol.
By 1919, the original wooden structure was replaced by a more durable 35-foot steel Aermotor LS-40 model tower, hauled to the summit by horse-drawn sleds under the supervision of District Ranger Patrick J. Cunningham. This initiative was part of a broader effort by the state to establish a network of fire towers across the Adirondacks and Catskills to monitor and protect the vast forests.
In its heyday, the fire tower was manned by observers who lived nearby in tents or cabins, vigilant against the threat of forest fires. These towers became a symbol of the state’s commitment to preserving its natural resources. However, with advancements in aerial surveillance, many of these towers, including the one on Crane Mountain, were deemed obsolete by the late 1960s.
Despite being placed on an ‘inactive’ list in 1971, the Crane Mountain Fire Tower was temporarily reactivated during a severe drought in October 1973, proving its continued importance when it helped identify two fires in the area. Unfortunately, this resurgence was short-lived, and by December 1987, the tower was dismantled, with its cab being helicoptered to a nearby field owned by Robert and Edith Baker.
The story of the tower did not end there. In the early 1990s, Dick and Perky Granger acquired the cab for $50, preserving it on their property for future generations. Their efforts highlight the enduring legacy of the fire towers and their place in New York’s environmental history.
This site is not only a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of early forest conservation efforts but also a reminder of the ongoing need to protect our natural habitats.
