Heliograph Lookout – Coronado National Forest AZ

Description

The historic Heliograph fire lookout tower in Coronado National Forest was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933.

NRHP Nomination Form: “This 99 ft high steel tower lookout is an Aermotor I1C-40 with a 7 ft by 7 ft steel cab. Located on the Safford Ranger District, it was erected by a CCC crew in 1933. The log cabin, wood frame barn and privy were also constructed in 1933. A room was added to the cabin in 1978 in keeping with its rustic style. This lookout tower is the highest one on the Coronado National Forest. With the exception of the room addition to the cabin, the original structures at this site have retained their integrity of design, construction, workmanship, materials, setting, location and association. All of these structures are over 50 years old and the entire complex is recommended for National Register eligibility. A communications building, a recent addition to the complex, is a noncontributing structure within the boundary. A television power house, also a recent addition and not eligible for the National Register, is located outside the boundary. The boundary of the Heliograph lookout complex is a rectangle measuring 120 ft N-S by 260 ft E-W with the tower located in the southeast corner of the property . The area surrounding the complex within the boundary is not considered a “buffer area,” but is integral to the setting of the property.”