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Cairo Skywatch Tower

The U.S. Air Force commissioned this tower during the Korean War to watch the sky for enemy aircraft.

West Lafayette, Indiana

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Bob Schueler
Tower Remains   Swordsman55 / Atlas Obscura User
Memorial Statue 2   Swordsman55 / Atlas Obscura User
Memorial Statue 1   Swordsman55 / Atlas Obscura User
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During the Korean War in the 1950s, a national radar system didn't exist. To watch for enemy planes, the U.S. Air Force expanded the Ground Observer Corps into Operation Skywatch and commissioned Delta Lima 3 Green Ground Observation Tower on August 16, 1952. 

Constructed and manned by community volunteers, the tower was staffed 24 hours a day in rotating shifts of approximately 90 people. While the volunteers in Indiana never spotted an enemy plane, the watchtower remains a point of pride in the community. Visitors can ascend the watchtower for beautiful views, especially during sunset.

Related Tags

Military History Military Korean War Towers

Know Before You Go

Tower is on a dead-end street, not directly accessible to I-65. The tower is just east of the intersection of N 100 W and W 850 N in West Lafayette, Indiana.

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Swordsman55

Published

April 25, 2025

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