Bishop Mountain Lookout facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bishop Mountain Lookout
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Bishop Mountain Lookout tower
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 Bishop Mountain Lookout
Location in Idaho
Bishop Mountain Lookout
Location in the United States
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| Location | Forest Road Island Park, Idaho |
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| NRHP reference No. | 86001184 |
| Added to NRHP | May 23, 1986 |
The Bishop Mountain Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower located in Island Park, Idaho. It was built between 1936 and 1938 by a special group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (often called the CCC). This lookout is found in the beautiful Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Because of its important history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Today, the small cabin next to the tower can even be rented for overnight stays through the United States Forest Service!
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Discovering Bishop Mountain Lookout
The Bishop Mountain Lookout stands as a reminder of an important time in American history. It was built to help spot forest fires and keep the forests safe.
Built by the CCC: A Special Team
The Bishop Mountain Lookout was constructed by members of Company 2515 of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This group was based at Camp Porcupine. The CCC was a program started by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during a difficult time called The Great Depression. This was when many people in America did not have jobs.
President Roosevelt promised a "New Deal" for the American people. The CCC was a big part of this plan. It gave jobs to young men, teaching them skills and helping them earn money. These men worked on projects to protect and develop natural areas, like building roads, parks, and fire lookouts. In Idaho, the CCC employed about 80,000 men, which was a very large number for the state!
A Tower with a View: The Fire Lookout
The main part of the lookout is a 72-foot (22 m) tall steel tower. On top of the tower is a steel room, called a cab, which was made by the Aermotor Company in Chicago. This tower sits high up at 7,810 feet (2,380 m) on the very top of Bishop Mountain. This mountain is actually an old volcano on the edge of the Island Park Caldera, which is a large, bowl-shaped area formed by a volcano.
Next to the tower is a small log cabin. It's a single room, about 16 by 24 feet, with a screened porch. There's also a separate building for the toilet. The cabin does not have running water, electricity, or beds. However, it's a popular spot for people to rent for a unique outdoor experience! Getting to the lookout can be an adventure, as much of the road is gravel. In the winter, you can often only reach it by snowmobile.
A Place in History: NRHP Certification
The Bishop Mountain Lookout was recognized for its historical importance on May 23, 1986. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. Being on this list helps protect these special places for future generations.
