P a g e 3 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT The Lookout was built at an elevation of 7600 feet in 1933 or 34. The 1937 Regional Office inspection noted: “T20 standard L4, good. Standard lightening protection is installed. On a road and needs a good toilet. Built for $1,292.” Mark Hopkins, who was the lookout here in 1939 and 1940 shared an old photo of the lookout. He remembered that the first smoke he reported was from the train at Blossburg. He said the food was good and he made $90 a month. He said he could, and did, listen in on the phone calls between Lincoln and Canyon Creek for entertainment. In 1962 the original lookout was replaced with the current structure, a standard R-6 Flat cab on top of a 20’treated timber tower. After another 50 years of on again, off again use, it was time for complete restoration. The Montana Wilderness Association and volunteers for the Continental Divide Trail (http://wildmontana.org/wildword/towering-accomplishment) completed a rebuild in 2016. The lookout was added to the National Historic Lookout Register in 2008. It is being maintained for its historic and recreational value and is now in the cabin rental program for your enjoyment. Please help us maintain the past for the future. If you would like more information, please contact the Lincoln Ranger District at 406-362-7000. Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Some of the historical information excerpted from The Helena National Forest, The Early Days, author Vicky MacLean MONUMENT PEAK LOOKOUT The L-4 style was by far the most popular live-in lookout. It came in three generations; with a 14x14 foot wood frame cab, windows all around; sitting on the ground, or atop pole or timber towers up to 100 feet tall. The 1929-1932 version featured a gable (2-sided) wood shingle roof. The 1933-1935 version had a 4-sided hip roof. The 1936-1952 version had a similar hip roof, with extended ceiling joists to hold the window shutters open. This lookout was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and is the only remaining original CCC constructed lookout on the Lewis and Clark National Forest. It was located to “look out” over the Little Belt Mountain range. Can you tell what version of the L-4 style it was built in? In recent years, recreation and historic preservation have become important aspects of the agency’s mission. The lookout was listed in the National Historic Lookout Register in 2005 and is maintained and managed for its historic and recreational value. It has been removed from its original 50 foot tower, restored and added to the cabin rental program for your enjoyment. Please help us maintain the past for the future. If you would like more information, please contact White Sulphur Springs Ranger District at 406-547 -3361. Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Information on Montana’s Historical Lookouts and photos provided by: https://www.fs.usda.gov/
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