National Register Listing

Camden State Park CCC/WPA/Rustic Style Historic District

a.k.a. Camden State Park

Off MN 23 SW of Lynd, Lynd, MN
Local significance of the district:
Landscape Architecture; Entertainment/recreation; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
  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.

Minnesota is home to the largest ball of twine ever rolled by one person. Francis A. Johnson started rolling the ball in 1950 and continued to add to it until his death in 1989. The ball weighs over 17,000 pounds and has a circumference of 40 feet.
Minnesota random facts
Lyon County, Minnesota, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was once inhabited by Indigenous peoples, primarily from the Dakota tribe, who lived off the land through hunting, fishing, and farming practices. However, European settlement began in the 1850s when migrants started moving to the region.

During the mid-19th century, Lyon County experienced rapid growth as more settlers arrived, attracted by the fertile soil and availability of land. Several towns were established, including what is now the county seat, Marshall. The county was officially organized in 1868 and named after Nathaniel Lyon, a Union general who died in the Civil War.

Throughout the 20th century, Lyon County continued to develop and evolve. Agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Manufacturing and industry also became significant contributors to Lyon County's growth, bringing jobs and an increased standard of living for its residents.

Today, Lyon County remains a vibrant and thriving community. Its rich history is celebrated through various events and organizations that promote the preservation of its heritage. With a diverse economy, beautiful landscapes, and a strong sense of community, Lyon County stands as a testament to its past while embracing the opportunities of the present and future.

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

  • 1855 - Lyon County is organized and founded
  • 1862 - The Dakota War of 1862 breaks out, impacting Lyon County
  • 1869 - The city of Marshall is designated as the county seat
  • 1884 - First railroad line is established in Lyon County
  • 1937 - The dividing of Lyon County takes place, creating Lincoln County
  • 2010 - The population of Lyon County reaches over 25,000 residents