Lookout Restoration Grant

Crossroads Fire Tower, Arkansas

The City of Hamburg Arkansas was the recipient of the FFLA Restoration Grant Program's second award in 2006. $500 was awarded to city to be used toward the restoration of the Crossroads Fire Tower. The city has also received a grant from Home Depot and is pursuing additional grant opportunities.

Phase one of the restoration project will include the replacement of the guy cables, repair of concrete footings, and repair and replacement of wooden steps and landings. Phase two will involve the restoration of the cab of the 120-foot Aermotor tower, standing alongside State Highway 133, just north of the "crossroads" with Ashley County Road 12.

The tower was in service from 1935 until it was closed in 1985. Sometime between 1936 and 1943, an additional 20 feet was added to the height of the tower, making it the tallest tower remaining in the state. The addition altered the original tower design with it now tapering out before tapering inward again where the additional sections were added.

Crossroads Fire Tower was recently listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the National Historic Lookout Register (NHLR #641, AR #08).