National Register Listing

Cooke, Jay, State Park CCC/WPA/Rustic Style Service Yard

a.k.a. Jay Cooke State Park

Off MN 210 E 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 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
Audiobooks about the history of Minnesota.
The first European to explore Minnesota was French explorer Jean Nicolet in 1634. He traveled along Lake Michigan and the Fox River and likely reached the present-day state of Minnesota.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.