National Register Listing

Springbrook State Park, Civilian Conservation Corps Area

a.k.a. King Park

Jct. of IA 384 and Co. Hwy. F25, Guthrie Center, IA
Local significance of the district:
Landscape Architecture; Conservation; Entertainment/recreation; Politics/government; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
  A brief timeline of the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
  • 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.

The Amana Colonies, located in east-central Iowa, were founded by a group of German immigrants in the mid-1800s. The Amanas are known for their unique communal way of life and their production of high-quality furniture, textiles, and food products.
Iowa random facts
Guthrie County, Iowa, located in the central part of the state, has a rich and interesting history. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, notably the Ioway and Sac and Fox Nations, who lived off the land and utilized the rivers for transportation and sustenance. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming.

The county itself was officially established in 1851 and named after Captain Edwin B. Guthrie, a prominent figure in the early development of the region. The county seat, Guthrie Center, was founded in 1852 and became an important trading center for the surrounding agricultural communities. The first courthouse was built in the same year and played a vital role in the county's administration and justice system.

Guthrie County experienced significant growth in the late 19th century. Railroads were constructed, connecting the county to larger cities like Des Moines and Council Bluffs, which facilitated the transportation of goods and people. The county's agricultural sector thrived, with corn and wheat becoming major crops. Coal mining also became a significant industry, attracting additional settlers to the area.

In the early 20th century, Guthrie County faced challenges such as the Great Depression and the declining coal industry. However, the county managed to diversify its economy and adapt to changing times. Today, Guthrie County maintains its agricultural heritage while also embracing tourism and recreational opportunities, thanks to its beautiful countryside, lakes, and parks. The county's residents take pride in its history and continue to preserve and celebrate the past while looking towards a promising future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Guthrie County, Iowa.

  • Guthrie County is established on January 15, 1851
  • The first settlement in the county, Panora, is founded in 1853
  • Guthrie County's first courthouse is built in 1858
  • The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad reaches the county in 1880
  • The town of Guthrie Center is incorporated in 1881
  • The Lake Panorama dam and reservoir are completed in 1971
  • Guthrie County Historical Village is established in 1979
  • The Guthrie Theater is constructed in Panora in 2008