The mountain was named after Col. David Minton, Ohio cavalryman who homesteaded (and is buried) near the mouth of Minton Creek. The first tower was a 10' pole tower with L-4 cab built in 1932. A 10' treated timber tower with L-4 cab was set up in the 1950s. It was last staffed in 1973. A new replica L-4 cab on a new 5' tower, constructed in 2011, was added to the Recreation Rental program.