years later to make room to build the Perkins Memorial Tower which was erected in honor of George W. Perkins Sr., who was the first president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The memorial tower was a gift of Perkins's widow and their son. The tower was used as a weather station and fire lookout until 1953. In 1990, the Perkins family agreed to donate $650,000 over a six year period to maintain the tower. The tower was later completely renovated and re-opened to the public. References External links http://www.nynjtc.org/park/bear-mountain http://www.nynjtc.org/park/harriman-bear-mountain-state-park Bear Mountain State Park Ramapos Mountains on the Appalachian Trail Mountains of Orange County, New York Mountains of New York (state) Hudson Highlands