Kakeout Mountain (formerly Kikeout Mountain) is a summit in Kinnelon borough, Morris County, New Jersey, in the United States. [1]
The name Kikeout was derived from the Dutch word kijkuit, meaning "lookout". [2] "Kakeout" is the local pronunciation of the name of the mountain and adjacent reservoir, but the spelling caused a degree of local controversy as it includes the word kike, an ethnic slur referring to Jews. [2] Because of this, the name was changed from Kikeout to Kakeout.
Kakeout Mountain is the highest point in Kinnelon, offering a view of the Hudson River. For this reason, and its location between Ringwood Manor and Morristown, Kakeout Mountain was used by George Washington's troops during the American Revolutionary War. [3]
A vein of gold was reported to have been found in the "Kikeout Mountains[ sic ]" in 1897. [4] [5]
In 1936 work was started on a 325 feet wide by 25 feet tall dam, creating a 553 acre lake on Kakeout Mountain. The construction was projected to cost $245,000, employ 334 laborers and supply 3.5 million gallons of water per day. The bulk of the funding was to be provided by the WPA. [6]
In 1940 a wading pool was created using Kikeout Brook, the overflow from the reservoir on Kakeout Mountain. [7]
During World War II, guards were posted to defended the reservoir atop Kakeout Mountain. [8] [9]
In 1957 there were two forest fires. [10]
In 1967 a water project was completed that stored 1 1/2 million gallons at a cost of $750,000. [11]
overhead perforated pipes provide a perpetual shower
One was caused by a boy who threw a cigarette into the brush