Beeds Lake State Park, Civilian Conservation Corps Area
Jct. of IA 3 and IA 134, Hampton, IA Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
- March 31, 1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Emergency Conservation Work (ECW) Act into law, establishing the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of his New Deal program.
- April 5, 1933: The CCC is officially launched, providing employment opportunities for unemployed young men between the ages of 18 and 25.
- 1933-1942: The CCC enrolls over 2.5 million young men from economically disadvantaged families, providing them with jobs, vocational training, and relief during the Great Depression.
Camp Life: CCC enrollees live in camps located in rural areas and work on various conservation projects across the United States. They receive food, shelter, clothing, and a small wage, with a portion of their earnings sent back home to support their families.
Conservation Projects: The CCC undertakes a wide range of conservation projects, including reforestation, erosion control, trail construction, forest fire prevention, wildlife conservation, historic site restoration, and the development of public parks.
Collaboration with Other Agencies: The CCC works in collaboration with various federal agencies, including the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Soil Conservation Service, to implement conservation programs and projects.
Educational and Vocational Training: In addition to their work, CCC enrollees receive educational and vocational training, such as literacy classes, courses in conservation and forestry, and technical skills development.
Military Training: During World War II, the CCC shifts its focus to providing military training for its enrollees, preparing them for military service.
- July 1, 1942: As the United States transitions into wartime efforts and the economy improves, the CCC gradually loses its significance. The program officially ends with the termination of new enrollments.
The Civilian Conservation Corps played a significant role during the Great Depression, providing employment, relief, and skills training to young men while accomplishing vital conservation work across the country. The program's legacy can still be seen today in the numerous parks, forests, and other public lands that were developed or improved through the efforts of CCC enrollees.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
During World War II, Iowa was home to several prisoner of war camps, where German soldiers were held captive. The largest of these camps was located in Algona, Iowa, and housed more than 10,000 prisoners at its peak.
The county was officially established on January 15, 1851, and named after Benjamin Franklin, one of America's founding fathers. The first settlers faced many challenges, including harsh winters and limited infrastructure. However, as the population grew, so did the county's economy, primarily based on agriculture. Corn, soybeans, and livestock became the mainstays of the farming industry in Franklin County.
During the late 19th century, the county experienced rapid growth with the arrival of the railroad in 1870. The rail line provided a means for transporting goods more efficiently and facilitated the growth of towns such as Hampton, the county seat. These towns quickly developed into bustling centers of commerce and industry, housing businesses, schools, and churches.
In the 20th century, Franklin County continued to prosper as modern technology and infrastructure improved. Farming techniques advanced, leading to increased productivity, and new industries emerged, including manufacturing and healthcare. Today, Franklin County remains an agricultural powerhouse while also embracing other economic sectors such as tourism and education. The county's rich history and strong sense of community make it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.
Franklin County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Franklin County, Iowa.
- 1850 - Franklin County is established as a county in the state of Iowa.
- 1855 - The first settlements are established in the county, mostly by pioneers from the eastern United States.
- 1856 - The town of Hampton is platted and becomes the county seat.
- 1861-1865 - Many residents of Franklin County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
- 1868 - The Illinois Central Railroad reaches Franklin County, boosting economic growth and transportation in the area.
- 1875 - The county courthouse, a three-story brick building, is completed in Hampton.
- 1881 - The first public high school in Franklin County is established in Hampton.
- 1894 - The county courthouse is destroyed by fire, but is rebuilt the following year.
- 1910-1920 - Franklin County experiences a period of rapid population growth due to increased agricultural productivity.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Franklin County, leading to economic struggles and an increase in government assistance programs.
- 1942-1945 - Many residents of Franklin County serve in World War II.
- 1950s-1960s - Industrialization and modernization affect the county, leading to changes in farming practices and a decline in rural population.
- 1989 - The historic Franklin County Courthouse in Hampton is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1990s-present - Franklin County continues to adapt to changing economic and social conditions, focusing on agriculture, education, and community development.