Name for this tower from the flint or chert obtained in local rocks, also occurring abundantly as pebbles of its beaches, sometimes used for the flintlock guns that long preceded the invention of percussion caps. The English name is translated from the earlier Ojibwe and French names. Minnesota Historical Society
Justine Kerfoot writes of the Gunflint Tower:In the past fire lookout towers were scattered throughout the area on high hills within sight of each other. They were usually staffed by a single ranger, who scanned the horizon day after day for a wisp of smoke. I do recall that they worked only eight hours a day, five days a week.
For the most part theirs was alonely vigil. Anyone who came to visit and climb the straight-up, ungarded ladder to the little cupola that sat like a tree house perched ona toothpick was warmly welcomed and instructed in the art of spotting a fire.
Twice a week we took our guests at Gunflint Lodge to hike up the hill from the Gunflint Trail, climb the tower and visit the ranger.
From Justin Kerfoot, Reflections on the Trail, Pfeifer-Hamilton, Duluth, MN, p.76.
