Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower in Keyser, West Virginia
In 1916, West Virginia established a system of fire towers that were located on various mountain peaks throughout the state. By utilizing a chart and telephone system, employees were able to quickly pinpoint forest fire locations that helped increase response times.
The earliest towers were wooden structures. They were later replaced with steel or stone structures. A few survived the times and now stand as unique tourist attractions.
The Pinnacle Knob fire tower property fell into disuse after World War II, but found a second life as a home for three communications towers. The second fire tower foundation now serves as a scenic overlook with an elevation well over 3,000 feet.
