The stone fire tower constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps was specifically engineered for the granite summit. The summit of Harney Peak, which has been renamed Black Elk Peak, with the commanding view of the Black Hills was first used in 1911 as a location to watch for forest fires. Black Elk Peak: A History (Natural History) Harney Peak Now Black Elk Peak Author Bradley Saum chronicles the unique and untold stories that are intrinsically linked to the highest point in the Black Hills. The History Press has published Black Elk Peak: A History. The comforts of electricity, flush toilets, and a central heating system were incorporated into the remote fire lookout tower. The reservoir created by the dam supplied water to the living quarters which were located in the lower level of the fire tower. The lookout tower, dam, pump house and stairway were constructed upon the highpoint. The fire lookout tower was built upon then Harney Peak, now called Black Elk Peak, to monitor the Black Hills for forest fires. All of the building materials were hauled by man and mule along the three mile trail to the summit, now known as Black Elk Peak. Stones gathered from nearby French Creek were used to construct the tower. So for those of you like to hike, the Harney Peak Trail is definitely a 'must do' during your South Dakota Vacation. Located in the Black Hills just north of Custer State Park, the hike to Harney Peak is one of the most popular hikes in the Black Hills Area. The Black Elk Peak, formerly Harney Peak, Fire Tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1935 to 1938. Harney Peak is the highest point in the great state of South Dakota at 7,242 feet above sea level.
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