Modoc Point Lookout Site

In 1935, an 80-foot steel tower was purchased from the Aermotor Company of Chicago, Illinois. It was then realized after a profile survey that a 120-foot tower was required to obtain a minimum of adequate coverage of unseen areas to the east, south and west of this point. The addition of forty feet to the base of the tower was available by the original manufacturer and ordered. This extension, together with increased foundation, shipping, and erection costs was estimated at $1000 on the basis of figures submitted by the manufacturer. The entire project proposal to construct the steel tower and cabin for quarters, five men needed, estimated cost was $2,700.00. The composite seen and unseen area map showed this station would cover considerable blind areas including very hazardous areas in the Chiloquin Ridge sections. It would also cover a large part of Barclay Springs area, where serious fires occurred every season. Improvements were on Tribal lands and was the highest lookout tower in the entire Indian Forest Service.

In 1936, a truck trail was completed but needed considerable blading and improvement work. In November, the 12x16 living quarters cabin was completed.

In 1937, the tower was complete with the exception of the installation of the guy wires and the wires for lightning protection.

In 1940:, two fires caused by careless smokers occurred on the Klamath Reservation. One was about a mile northwest of Modoc Point Lookout but was controlled by grazing permitees and Indian Service officers before it got under way. In October, Roland Hicks, a 36-year-old Klamath Indian, was arrested near the Modoc Point Lookout station for questioning in connection with the knife slaying of Gaylord Miller, a 52 year old white logger who died in the Klamath Agency hospital. Hicks gave himself up to Sheriff Lloyd Low after allegedly leaving a message in Chiloquin saying that he would surrender either to Low or to Indian Officer John Arkell at the lookout station.

In 1959, there was an advertisement for bids by the Klamath Tribes for the 120 foot steel tower with a 12x16 cabin.

In 1968, the Modoc Point lookout buildings were sold to Mr. Jim Stewart of Lakeview, Oregon for $35. The contract specified removal by December 30, 1969.