VETERANS
Meade County - Black Hills National Forest - 5E-4N-5
1939: The Civilian Conservation Corp erected a unique log tower with observation cab.
June 27, 1940: "The forest has a secondary or emergency lookout at Veterans peak. The secondary lookouts are used only in times of fire hazard, such as after severe electric storms or when the weather has been very hot and dry for a long time." (Rapid City Journal)
August 25, 1948: "Between 75 and 80 men battled Tuesday night to control a fire 25 miles south of Deadwood and Lead in the Black Hills National Forest on the highest fire danger-day of the season.
The fire was believed to have been caused by a cigaret carelessly tossed along the road. It was definitely man-caused. It was under control by 10:30 p.m.
It was discovered by Wesley Groshong, emergency lookout at the Veterans Tower near Sturgis, who relayed its location to Custer town lookout. Ranger Orlo Jackson, Nemo, who was in Deadwood, left immediately for the fire." (Deadwood Pioneer-Times)
July 14, 1954: "A fire near Veterans lookout, in the Nemo area, burned only one half acre as fighters from the Sturgis and Deadwood fire control area, members of the Forest Service and help from the J.U. Dickson sawmill controlled the blaze." (The Black Hills Weekly)
March 9, 1961: "Withdrawal from appropriation, except under mineral leasing laws, has been ordered on 550.69 acres scattered through the Black Hills National Forest.
Most of the land is in tracts of 10 to 40 acres used for fire lookouts." Included in the order: Veterans Peak lookout. (Rapid City Journal)
April 24, 1962: "Also manned is the Veterans Peak lookout, southwest of Sturgis. Royce Coffield, Nemo, is stationed there." (Lead Daily Call)
June 6, 1963: "Two secondary fire lookouts remain to be manned as the Black Hills fire defense system moves into another fire season.
The Veterans Peak and Norris Peak stations will be manned depending on weather conditions." (Rapid City Journal)
Removed