Telescope Hill

Telescope Hill, a 334-foot rise on Long Island and Brookhaven’s highest point, is part of the Ronkonkoma Moraine formed where the glacier that shaped Long Island stopped. It became notable as the site of an early fire observation tower, built in 1918 and operating from 1919, where observers reported numerous fires and visitors climbed for the view. Al Lucas was the first observer, followed by Frank Forsyth, with county observers later supervised by Clarence Dare. During World War II, the tower also served Civil Defense, and observers spotted Nazi U-boats three times. As suburban growth reduced wildfire danger, the tower was removed in 1960, and the summit now supports radio transmission facilities.

Farmingville, New York · United States