National Register Listing

Flandrau State Park CCC/WPA/Rustic Style Historic Resources

a.k.a. Flandrau (Cottonwood River) State Park

Off Co. Hwy. 13 SE of New Ulm, New Ulm, MN
Local significance of the district:
Landscape Architecture; Entertainment/recreation; Politics/government; Architecture

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.

landscape architecture entertainment recreation politics government architecture
Minnesota was named after the Minnesota River, which got its name from the Dakota Sioux word "Mnisota," meaning "sky-tinted water."
Minnesota random facts
Brown County, Minnesota has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. The area was first inhabited by the Dakota Sioux people, who relied on the Minnesota River for hunting, fishing, and transportation. However, this changed with the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century. These settlers were primarily German and Irish immigrants, who were attracted to the fertile lands and opportunities for farming.

In 1857, Brown County was officially established, named after Joseph Renshaw Brown, a politician and early settler in the region. The county quickly grew in population, and by 1860, the town of New Ulm was founded as the county seat. New Ulm became an important center for trade and commerce in the region, and attracted more settlers who sought agricultural opportunities.

The late 19th century brought significant challenges for Brown County. In 1862, the region experienced the Dakota War, a conflict between the Dakota Sioux and Euro-American settlers. New Ulm was heavily affected by the war, with several attacks on the town and a significant loss of life. However, the town and county persevered, and efforts were made to rebuild and reconcile with the Dakota Sioux people.

Throughout the 20th century, Brown County continued to flourish as an agricultural region. The county saw advancements in farming technology, leading to increased productivity. Additionally, the construction of highways and railroads facilitated transportation and trade, further boosting the local economy. Today, Brown County remains an important hub for agriculture in Minnesota, while also embracing its cultural heritage and historical significance.

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

  • 1853 - Brown County is established.
  • 1857 - The city of New Ulm is founded.
  • 1862 - The Dakota War of 1862 occurs, leading to the Battle of New Ulm, where settlers defend the city against Dakota warriors.
  • 1873 - The first railroad reaches New Ulm, spurring economic growth in the area.
  • 1881 - The Brown County Historical Society is formed to preserve the region's history.
  • 1917-1918 - The United States enters World War I, and many residents of Brown County serve in the military.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardships to the county, but federal programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) provide employment opportunities.
  • 1960 - The population of Brown County reaches its peak at around 23,000 residents.
  • 1970s - Brown County begins facing economic challenges as industries decline, and many residents move to larger cities.
  • 1987 - The Hermann Monument, a symbol of New Ulm's German heritage, is completed and becomes a popular tourist attraction.
  • 2002 - The Brown County Historical Society opens the Brown County Historical Society Museum in New Ulm.