Taylor Ridge Fire Lookout Site

This ridge was named in commemoration of Ranger Worth Taylor, veteran of the World War and former Ranger of the Republic district.

Prior to 1930, this site was likely a camp used for fire detection.

In 1930, local newspapers were reporting at the end of September that Robert Foote, the superintendent of road construction was on Taylor ridge erecting a tower and a cabin. Also, that Ranger Vincent was building a line connecting the tower at Taylor Ridge with the Summit line.

A 40-foot pole tower with a 6x6 foot cab was built. A log cabin living quarters was at the base.

In 1931, news stories said in late-July that Ed Sizemore had completed the tower and cabin on Taylor Ridge and was moved to Swan Lake to be stationed for the summer.

In 1934, panoramic images were taken from the lookout at 40-feet plus 4 above the ground. Down the hillside a distance, you can see a cabin or tent shelter. This was not the newer cabin built just under the lookout tower.

In 1942, the lookout site was utilized by the U.S. Army as an Aircraft Warning Service lookout. It was activated on March 30, 1942 and deactivated on August 3, 1942.

Later in the 1940s the tower and cabin were abandoned or destroyed.

In 2015, a FFLA objective was to investigate a recent fire loss of the original open air privy and tripod supported #9 phone line. I have no info on what they found.

Taylor Ridge Lookout Site