News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Tennessee State Review Board delayed a decision on adding the Twinton Fire Lookout Tower to the National Register of Historic Places.
Tennessee Tech History Professor Michael Birdwell said the Overton County facility needed more documentation about its historical significance.
“This is stuff that’s not hard to find,” Birdwell said. “Been working with the Highlander Project for six years, I think, so I know where much of this material is. It wouldn’t take that much to bring this up to speed.”
The lookout tower, located off Highway 85, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the early 1930s. It remained in use until 1971. The state review board noted its architectural value as well as the conservation value of the facility in its reasons for nomination.
Birdwell said the fire tower was part of an 80,000 acre mining complex.
It is one of multiple fire towers across the state to be included on the register.
The Twinton Fire Lookout Tower was one of seven structures across the state being considered for the National Register.
