Chatcolet CCC Picnic and Camping Area
a.k.a. Heyburn State Park
ID 5, Heyburn State Park, Chatcolet, ID Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
- 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.
Idaho was part of the Oregon Territory before it became a separate territory in 1863, and then a state in 1890. At the time, Idaho's borders were much larger than they are now, including parts of Wyoming and Montana.
In the early 19th century, European fur trappers and traders arrived in the area, drawn by the lucrative fur trade. This marked the beginning of increased contact between Native American tribes and European settlers. Later, in the late 19th century, the discovery of gold and silver in the nearby Coeur d'Alene Mountains brought a rush of prospectors to the area. The resulting mining boom played a significant role in the region's development.
Benewah County was officially established on January 23, 1915, and named after a leader of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. The county's economy diversified over time, with agriculture becoming an important industry alongside mining. Farmers grew various crops, including potatoes and grain, while ranchers raised cattle and sheep. The St. Maries River, which flows through the county, provided valuable irrigation for farming.
Today, Benewah County continues to honor its Native American heritage and is home to the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel, operated by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. The county's rural landscapes and natural beauty attract outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, and other recreational activities. The county's history and culture are preserved in museums and historical sites, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the past.
Benewah County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Benewah County, Idaho.
- 1860: Native Americans, including the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, inhabit the area that would become Benewah County.
- 1878: The area is explored by David Thompson, a British-Canadian fur trader and explorer.
- 1883: Benewah County is established on January 23, with its county seat in Rockford.
- 1889: The Northern Pacific Railway reaches Benewah County, boosting economic development in the area.
- 1909: The county seat is relocated to St. Maries due to its central location and growing population.
- 1921: The construction of the St. Joe River Road greatly improves transportation in the county.
- 1933: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) establishes camp F-25 in Benewah County, leading to significant conservation and infrastructure projects.
- 1967: Heyburn State Park, the oldest state park in Idaho, is established within Benewah County.
- 2003: The Cataldo Mission, a historic church in Benewah County, becomes a National Historic Landmark.
- 2010: The county population reaches over 9,000 residents.