Guardian of the Gulch | Fire Tower Park MT
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Description: The Old Fire Tower, known as the "Guardian of the Gulch," holds the distinction of being an officially recognized city landmark. Erected in 1876, this towering fire lookout structure stands at a height of twenty-five feet, and its origin stems from the aftermath of a devastating downtown fire. In 1886, an octagonal cab was added to the tower, which served as its crowning feature. This sentinel of the city remained operational until 1931, with dedicated personnel manning it around the clock, diligently keeping a vigilant eye over Helena. In the event of a fire sighting, the alarm system would be activated to alert the townsfolk and initiate firefighting efforts. The Guardian of the Gulch stands today as the sole survivor among the many fire towers that once dotted Helena's landscape. Remarkably, it is one of just five of its kind still standing in the United States.