Geode State Park, Civilian Conservation Corps Area
a.k.a. Danville State Park
Co. Rd. X23 E of Lowell, Danville, 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.
Iowa was one of the first states to grant women the right to vote. In 1869, the Iowa state legislature passed a law allowing women to vote in school board elections. This was more than 50 years before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote nationwide.
The county was named after Patrick Henry, a prominent American statesman and orator known for his influential role in the American Revolution. Henry County quickly grew with the arrival of European settlers, primarily of German, Irish, and English descent. The settlers established small communities, with Mount Pleasant serving as the county seat.
A significant event in the county's history was the construction of the first railroad in Iowa, which passed through Henry County in 1855. This railroad connection facilitated the transportation of goods and people, contributing to the county's economic growth and development.
Like many areas in the Midwest, Henry County played a role in the Civil War. Many of its residents volunteered to fight for the Union, leaving an impact on the county's population and economy. The county also had a strong abolitionist sentiment, with several underground railroad stations established in the area to aid escaped slaves.
Over the years, Henry County has faced various challenges, including economic ups and downs, changes in farming techniques and land use, and natural disasters such as floods. However, the county has persevered and continues to thrive today as a diverse and inviting community with a rich blend of heritage and modern amenities.
Henry County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Henry County, Iowa.
- 1834: Henry County, Iowa was established by the Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin Territory.
- 1836: The first log cabin was built in the area by Thomas Cox.
- 1837: Mount Pleasant, the county seat, was founded by pioneer settlers.
- 1839: The first courthouse was built in Mount Pleasant, made of hewn logs.
- 1840: The population of Henry County was 213.
- 1847: The first newspaper, called "The Henry County Standard," was published in Mount Pleasant.
- 1853: The current courthouse, a Greek Revival style building, was completed in Mount Pleasant.
- 1861-1865: Henry County residents participated in the American Civil War.
- 1876: The county's first railroad, the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern, was completed.
- 1881: The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, an annual event, started in Mount Pleasant.
- 1897: The Henry County Courthouse was destroyed by a fire, resulting in a loss of valuable records.
- 1901: The current Henry County Courthouse was completed in Mount Pleasant.
- 1960s: Mount Pleasant experienced significant economic growth due to industrial development.
- 1980s: The county's population decreased due to changes in agricultural practices.
- 2019: Henry County celebrates its 185th anniversary since establishment.