A towering leader
This is the history of the observation tower located on Hot Springs Mountain in Hot Springs National Park. This is also the story of how one person with vision, determination, and persistence can accomplish great things for our community. That person is retired civil engineer Don Beavers, who led community efforts in the 1970s and 1980s to rebuild the mountain tower.
There have been three observation towers over the years on Hot Springs Mountain. The first one was a small 80-foot tall wooden structure built in 1877 when tourism was just beginning to become a major business in Hot Springs. Visitors would ride burrows or horse-drawn carriages up the steep mountain road to reach the tower. In the 1890s, the tower was struck by lightning and burned to the ground.
A second, much larger steel tower was constructed in 1906.
This 165-foot tall tower included an Otis elevator and a telescope at the top with which the visitors could enjoy the panoramic view.
By the late 1960s, the National
Park Service became concerned about the safety of the tower and the exposed elevator mechanism and required that the tower be updated with necessary, but expensive safety features. When the company that managed the tower could not meet the safety requirements, the National Park Service directed that the tower be closed in 1969 and the old tower was demolished in the summer of 1971.
In the 1970s, the city and the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce recognized the importance of a tower as a major tourist attraction. However, the reconstruction of the tower would require extensive negotiations with the National Park Service, which often took a dim view of man-made structures that were not part of the natural environment of the national parks.
Don Beavers, a civil engineer and one of the co-founders of the local B&F Engineering firm stepped forward to lead the community efforts to build a new tower. This project first required the preparation of an economic feasibility study demonstrating that the tower would generate enough revenue to pay the bond indebtedness. Don prepared the economics study showing that the proposed new tower would be a profitable venture and would easily cover the bond debt of $1.8 million.
The National Park Service also required preparation of architectural and engineering plans for the tower. Don, with the assistance of Gary Ryles, the structural engineer at his engineering firm, prepared the detailed plans that would finally win the approval of the National Park Service. The final step was the arranging for construction financing by the issuance of revenue bonds which would be backed by the local tourism tax. Don shepherded the project every step of the way for over 10 years. Every time the project would hit a snag, it was Don Beavers who worked out the solution to each new problem and kept the momentum of the tower project moving forward.
Finally, in 1982, some 12 years since the old tower had been demolished, work on the new 216-foot tall tower began. The new tower was to have two elevators to take visitors to a choice of two observation decks, one inside a climate-controlled inside deck area and the top deck providing an outside viewing area. The enclosed viewing deck includes a circular exhibit area that tells the story of the history of both the city of Hot Springs and Hot Springs National Park.
Since opening in 1983, the tower has had over 5 million visitors. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Ouachita Mountains and our local lakes. As visitors drive into Hot Springs from almost any direction, the tower can be seen from many miles away.
Hours of operation in the summer are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $8 for an adult, $4.50 for children and both senior and military discounts are available. The tower has a well-stocked gift shop.
The new Hot Springs Mountain Tower has become the symbol of both Hot Springs and Hot Springs National Park. The tower exists today because of hard work and leadership of Don Beavers.