New Feldtmann Fire Tower
The New Feldtmann Fire Tower is a fire tower located on Feldtmann Ridge in Isle Royale National Park. The tower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.
History
In 1936, soon after Isle Royale was designated a national park, the large Greenstone Ridge Fire swept through a portion of the island. In response, the National Park Service constructed two fire towers on the island, one on Mount Ojibway, and one near this location, referred to as the "Old Feldtmann Fire Tower." These towers were constructed of wood, and by the 1950s were badly deteriorating. Plans were in place by 1961 to replace them, but funds were not available until two years later. In 1963, the Old Feldtmann Fire Tower was torn down, and in 1964 construction began on a new tower, located in a slightly different location so as to better cover the portions of the park that were most used. The tower was completed in 1965.By 1968, however, the fire management strategies in the park had changed, and the tower was abandoned. As of 2020, the tower was accessible to park visitors, who could climb partway up the structure.