The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a rich history of fire management, with fire suppression being the standard approach since its establishment in 1934. The Civilian Conservation Corps played a crucial role in building fire towers and lookout cabins in the park, which were manned during fire seasons for decades. However, in the 1970s, fire management techniques changed, leading to the abandonment of most fire towers.
Recently, the National Park Service has shifted its approach and is actively pursuing a National Register listing for the remaining fire towers and lookout cabins within the park. One such tower, the Greenbrier Pinnacle Tower, was built in 1934 and was manned by lookout David Oliver Whaley in the late 1940s and early 1950s. His son, Earl Whaley, fondly recalls his father’s time as a lookout and the challenges and isolation that came with the job.
Lookouts like David Whaley played a vital role in spotting fires and communicating with the dispatch office. They were required to remain on alert for long hours, often not seeing another person for weeks at a time. Despite the difficulties and isolation of the job, many lookouts, like David Whaley, found other roles within the park service after their time as lookouts.
Carroll McMahan, Sevier County historian, reflects on the importance of preserving the history of fire management in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the significant role that fire towers and lookout cabins played in its legacy. The park’s efforts to seek National Register listing for these structures highlight its commitment to preserving its rich history.
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Photo credit www.themountainpress.com
