BATH COUNTY, Ky. — For generations, the Tater Knob Fire Tower has stood watch over the forests of Bath County, offering breathtaking views from the county's highest elevation. Now, the future of one of northeastern Kentucky's most recognizable landmarks depends on completing a critical fundraising goal.
Project organizers are working to raise $11,000 for federally required archaeological and historical surveys—work that must be completed before restoration of the historic tower can move forward.
Although the project has already secured a $75,000 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant, those funds cannot be used for the surveys.
In an interview with the Morehead Minute, project organizer Brent Frizzell explained why the effort has become so important to him personally.
"Like so many others, I visited the tower many times when I was a child and adult, also with my children," Frizzell said. "My uncle was a tower lookout in the late '40s or early '50s. As the director of the Bath County History Museum and Tourism Director, I have tried to share the story of the tower."
Frizzell also has another connection to the landmark.
"When the tower was vandalized, a portion of the frame was destroyed by fire," he said. "I was the fire chief that responded on that call."
Why Another $11,000 Is Needed
Some residents have questioned why additional fundraising is necessary after the project received a $75,000 grant in 2023.
According to Frizzell, the answer lies in the restrictions placed on grant funding.
"The Recreational Trails Program grant can only be used for specific purposes," he explained. "It can repair the structure, replace the steps and improve the trail. The trail portion of the grant is what allowed us to get the grant."
However, the required archaeological and historical surveys do not qualify for reimbursement under the grant.
"The two surveys which we are raising funds for do not meet the grant criteria," he said.
Those surveys are now mandatory before restoration work can begin.
"The archaeological and historical surveys are mandated by the U.S. Forest Service," Frizzell said. "We also had to complete an engineering assessment in 2018. The two current surveys were not mentioned as a requirement until a few years ago."
What the Restoration Will Include
Once the required surveys are completed, restoration plans include:
Repairs to the historic fire tower.
Replacement of approximately 110 wooden steps leading to the tower.
Improvements to the trail between Tater Knob and Buck Creek Road.
Organizers say a project board will oversee expenditures and ensure transparency throughout the restoration effort.
At this time, supporters are being asked to make pledges only while organizers work toward the fundraising goal. They hope to begin collecting donations once they are confident the goal can be achieved.
Fundraising ideas being considered include monetary donations, auctions, and Tater Knob Fire Tower merchandise.
A Bigger Vision for the Future
While the immediate focus is preserving the tower, Frizzell hopes the restoration can become the catalyst for broader tourism improvements in Bath County.
"My long-term vision would possibly be to eventually rent the tower out for overnight stays," he said. "This is common practice in many of the old fire towers."
He also envisions additional recreational opportunities, including a new trail around Clear Creek Lake, cleanup efforts around the historic Clear Creek Iron Furnace, and removing trees that now block scenic overlooks along the Zilpo Scenic Byway.
A Regional Landmark Worth Saving
Frizzell believes preserving the fire tower is about far more than maintaining an old structure.
"Tater Knob Fire Tower is a regional tourist attraction and destination," he said. "It is on the National Historic Register. It is the highest elevation in Bath County."
He hopes families will continue to experience the panoramic views that have drawn visitors for decades.
"The unobstructed view is amazing—something that everyone should see at least once, especially with their children."
"Once It Is Gone, It Will Be Gone Forever"
For now, organizers say financial support remains the project's most urgent need. Frizzell also encourages citizens to voice their support to elected officials.
He ended with a sobering reminder of what is at stake if the project cannot move forward.
"I appreciate the help from those who have supported this project from the beginning until now and moving forward," Frizzell said. "If we lose this grant, we will not get another. With that said, the fire tower project will die with it and just become another piece of history. Once it is gone, it will be gone forever."
For many throughout Bath County and the surrounding region, preserving Tater Knob is about more than restoring a fire tower. It is about protecting a piece of Kentucky's history so future generations can climb its steps, take in its remarkable views, and experience a landmark that has overlooked the Appalachian landscape for decades.
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