National Register Listing

Cooke, Jay, State Park CCC/WPA/Rustic Style Picnic Grounds

a.k.a. Jay Cooke State Park

Off MN 210 SE of Forbay Lake, Thomson Township, Carlton, 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 Republic of Texas
  • 1821: The Mexican War of Independence concludes, and Mexico gains independence from Spain. Texas is a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico.
  • 1824: The Mexican government establishes the Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
  • 1826: A group of American settlers, known as the Fredonian Rebellion, attempt to establish an independent state in Texas. The rebellion is short-lived and quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
  • 1830: The Mexican government, concerned about the growing number of American settlers in Texas, passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes restrictions on further American immigration to Texas.
  • 1835: Tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government escalate, leading to the Texas Revolution. The Texian rebels, led by figures such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, engage in battles against Mexican forces.
  • 1836: On March 2, the Texian delegates at the Convention of 1836 declare independence from Mexico and establish the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston is elected as the first President of Texas. The Battle of the Alamo takes place in February-March, where a small Texian garrison defends the Alamo Mission against a large Mexican army. Despite their defeat, the battle becomes a symbol of Texian resistance.
  • 1836-1838: The Republic of Texas faces a series of military conflicts with Mexico, including the Goliad Massacre and the Battle of San Jacinto. The decisive Texian victory at San Jacinto secures their independence and captures Mexican General Santa Anna, who signs the Treaties of Velasco recognizing Texas as an independent nation.
  • 1836-1845: The Republic of Texas operates as an independent nation, establishing a constitution, government, and capital at various locations including Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, and eventually, Houston. Efforts to join the United States face opposition due to fears of potential conflict with Mexico.
  • 1845: Texas agrees to annexation and becomes the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, following approval by the U.S. Congress. This leads to the Mexican-American War in 1846.
Although the Republic of Texas was relatively short-lived, lasting from 1836 to 1845, it played a significant role in shaping the history of Texas and its eventual integration into the United States.

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 Texas Revolution Republic of Texas military
The first successful open-heart surgery was performed in 1952 at the University of Minnesota by Dr. C. Walton Lillehei.
Minnesota random facts
Carlton County, located in northeastern Minnesota, has a rich history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe people, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade. European settlement began in the mid-19th century, as French-Canadian fur traders established trading posts along the St. Louis River.

In the 1850s, the United States government forced the Ojibwe people to cede their lands through a series of treaties, paving the way for further settlement. The town of Carlton, named after Reuben Carlton, was established in 1881 as the county seat. The construction of the Northern Pacific Railway in the late 1800s brought a wave of new settlers, primarily of European descent, who built farms and established businesses in the area.

During the early 20th century, Carlton County faced significant challenges, including the devastating Cloquet Fire of 1918. This massive forest fire, one of the worst in Minnesota's history, destroyed much of the county's infrastructure and claimed hundreds of lives. The community demonstrated resilience and rebuilt, leading to a period of growth and development in subsequent decades.

Today, Carlton County remains a picturesque region known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With a population of approximately 36,000 residents, the county continues to be a mix of small towns, farms, and natural landscapes. Its rich history, from the Ojibwe tribes to European settlement and the challenges faced in the past century, has shaped its present-day identity as a vibrant and resilient community.

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

  • 1854 - Carlton County is established.
  • Early 1850s - An Ojibwa village known as Fond du Lac is settled.
  • 1860s - The St. Paul and Duluth Railroad is built through the county, leading to growth in settlements and the timber industry.
  • 1870 - The city of Carlton is incorporated.
  • 1881 - The city of Cloquet is incorporated.
  • 1889 - Fire destroys much of Cloquet and surrounding areas, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
  • Early 1900s - The lumber industry continues to drive the economy, with several mills operating in the county.
  • 1974 - The Black Bear Casino Resort opens in Carlton County.
  • 1990s - The economy begins to diversify with the growth of healthcare services and tourism.
  • 2000 - The city of Moose Lake celebrates its 100th anniversary.