During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Force had two flare towers as navigational beacons erected on the crest of Casper Mountain. The west tower is located about 3000 ft west of Hogadon Ski Basin. The eastern tower is located five miles to the east. Although currently under research by the Friends, no official documentation for the beacons has been found. 

The towers provided a visual navigation corridor for CAAB aircraft approaching or departing the Casper area. The flares used acetylene gas resupplied by the AAF. A triggering mechanism activated the flares during nighttime. Wartime shortages often led to vandalism of the gas.

The west beacon played a role in the Zorn crash on June 17, 1944. B24J 42-100023 was on a northerly heading toward the beacon when it collided with terrain on the mountain crest. When plotted, the bomber's debris trail is on a heading toward the beacon. The beacon tower is 1/2 mile north of the aircraft impact point 

The AAF abandoned the towers after WWII, and ownership reverted to the landowners. The towers are currently in excellent condition; however, access is by landowner permission only. Friends has permission to visit the west tower, and the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum and Friends have led public field trips there.

In 2023, Friends prepared a plaque for display in the lodge at Hogadon Ski Basin, located 3000 ft east of the tower. The plaque is shown below.