National Register Listing

Civilian Conservation Corps Camp S-52

Off US 53, Orr, MN
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
  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 iconic animated characters of Rocky and Bullwinkle were created by Minnesota native Jay Ward in the 1950s.
Minnesota random facts
St. Louis County, located in northeastern Minnesota, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Ojibwe and Dakota, who first settled the area. The region's natural resources, such as timber and minerals, attracted European explorers in the 17th century, but was officially established as a county in 1855.

During the late 19th century, St. Louis County experienced a massive population boom due to the discovery of iron ore in the Mesabi Range. The mining industry quickly grew, attracting immigrants from all over the world, particularly from Finland, Sweden, and Italy. The mining towns of Hibbing, Virginia, and Eveleth emerged as major centers of industry, fueling the economic growth of the county.

In the early 20th century, St. Louis County faced challenges as the mining industry went through periods of fluctuation. A major event was the Mesabi Range Strike of 1916, when thousands of miners demanded better working conditions and higher wages. The strike was met with violence and resulted in several deaths. However, it also paved the way for improvements in labor rights and safety regulations in the mining industry.

In recent years, St. Louis County has diversified its economy by focusing on tourism, healthcare, education, and technology. The county is home to numerous natural attractions, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Lake Superior. Additionally, the county is home to the city of Duluth, which has become a regional center for healthcare and education. This blend of natural beauty and urban development continues to shape the history and future of St. Louis County, MN.

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

  • 1849 - St. Louis County is established on February 20th.
  • 1858 - The first courthouse is built in Duluth.
  • 1884 - The Great Hinckley Fire devastates parts of St. Louis County.
  • 1893 - The Duluth Ship Canal is completed, connecting Lake Superior to the Duluth Harbor.
  • 1915 - The Duluth, Missabe and Northern Railway is formed, stimulating economic growth in the region.
  • 1941 - The Duluth Air Base (later renamed Duluth International Airport) is established.
  • 1975 - The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is established, preserving vast areas of St. Louis County.
  • 1984 - The city of Virginia becomes the county seat, replacing Duluth.
  • 1992 - The Great Flood of 1992 causes significant damage to infrastructure and communities in St. Louis County.