National Register Listing

Interstate State Park CCC/WPA/Rustic Style Campground

a.k.a. Interstate State Park

Off US 8 SW of Taylors Falls, Shafer Township, Taylors Falls, MN
Local significance of the district:
Landscape Architecture; Entertainment/recreation; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
  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 Minneapolis Millers baseball team was the first professional baseball team to play under the lights in 1930.
Minnesota random facts
Chisago County, Minnesota, has a rich history dating back thousands of years to the Indigenous people who first inhabited the region. The area, known for its abundance of lakes and rivers, provided an excellent environment for fishing and hunting. The Dakota Sioux were the primary Native American inhabitants of the area until the mid-19th century when European settlers arrived.

In the early 1800s, fur traders began to explore the region, establishing trading posts along the St. Croix River. These posts formed the foundation for more permanent settlements, attracting pioneers from the east. In 1851, Chisago County was officially established, named after the Chisago Lake, a Dakota word meaning "chest" or "brave."

The economy of Chisago County was initially based on agriculture, with settlers clearing land for farming and raising livestock. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation, further fueling the growth of the county. Along with agriculture, logging became a significant industry, as the abundant forests in the region provided an essential source of timber.

As the population grew, small towns and communities developed throughout Chisago County. The county seat, Center City, became a hub for government and commerce. Today, Chisago County is a vibrant community that blends its agricultural heritage with modern industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. The county remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and skiing.

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

  • 1837 - Chisago County is established as a county in the Minnesota Territory.
  • 1851 - The first permanent settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1855 - The first post office is established in Taylor's Falls, a city within Chisago County.
  • 1861 - The city of Taylors Falls is incorporated.
  • 1868 - The city of Center City is incorporated.
  • 1870 - The first railroad line, the St. Paul and Duluth, is constructed in the county.
  • 1871 - The city of Lindström is incorporated.
  • 1873 - The city of Chisago City is incorporated.
  • 1894 - The city of North Branch is incorporated.
  • 1900 - The city of Rush City is incorporated.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression hits Chisago County, causing job losses and economic decline.
  • 1930 - Several New Deal programs help revive the county's economy.
  • 1933 - The Chisago Lakes Water Trail is created, boosting tourism and outdoor recreation.
  • 1960 - The construction of interstate highways 35 and 35E provides better transportation access.
  • 1984 - The Wild River State Park is established, promoting conservation and outdoor activities.
  • 2007 - The city of Wyoming is incorporated.