Plasaway Hill Tower, a striking landmark in New Hampshire, has captivated imaginations for years. Its intriguing history, however, remains shrouded in some mystery, leading many to wonder: what was actually on that tower? This article delves into the tower's past, exploring its purpose and the various activities that once took place within its walls.
What Was Plasaway Hill Tower Used For?
Plasaway Hill Tower's primary function was as a fire observation tower. Constructed in the early 20th century, it served as a crucial part of the state's forest fire detection network. From its elevated position, trained spotters could scan vast stretches of woodland, identifying and reporting smoke plumes long before they developed into raging wildfires. This early warning system was vital in protecting New Hampshire's valuable forests.
Beyond its fire-watching role, the tower likely also served other purposes. While concrete evidence is scarce, it's plausible that the tower was used for:
- Weather observation: The elevated location would have offered excellent visibility for weather monitoring, providing valuable data for local forecasts.
- Surveillance: Its strategic position could have made it useful for broader surveillance, particularly during times of conflict or heightened security concerns. While unlikely to be its primary purpose, it's a consideration given its visibility.
- Recreation/Tourism: In later years, the tower may have attracted visitors curious about its history and offering scenic views.
Finding concrete evidence detailing these secondary uses remains a challenge.
When Was Plasaway Hill Tower Built?
While precise construction dates for many such towers are often unavailable, researching local historical records and forestry archives might reveal more specifics about Plasaway Hill Tower's construction timeline. Many similar towers were built between the 1920s and 1940s, a period when forest fire prevention became a significant focus.
Who Built Plasaway Hill Tower?
The builder of Plasaway Hill Tower is another detail currently undocumented. Further investigation into state forestry agency archives, local historical societies, and town records could potentially uncover the names of the contractors or individuals responsible for its construction.
What Happened to Plasaway Hill Tower?
Unfortunately, Plasaway Hill Tower no longer stands. It was likely dismantled due to age, deterioration, and the changing methods of forest fire detection. Modern technology, such as aerial surveillance and sophisticated communication systems, rendered such towers obsolete. This is a common fate for many similar structures across the country.
Are There Any Photos of Plasaway Hill Tower?
Locating photographs of Plasaway Hill Tower might require extensive research. Local historical societies, university archives, and online historical image repositories are potential sources. Additionally, searching for similar fire observation towers in the region could yield comparable imagery offering insights into its likely appearance.
Is There Anything Left of Plasaway Hill Tower?
While the tower itself is gone, the location still holds historical significance. A thorough search of the site, respecting any environmental regulations, might reveal remnants of the tower's foundation or other physical traces of its presence.
By combining historical research with on-the-ground investigation, we can continue to piece together a more complete picture of Plasaway Hill Tower and its role in New Hampshire's history. This ongoing exploration underscores the importance of preserving local history and appreciating the stories embedded within seemingly insignificant landmarks.
