Scenic State Park CCC/WPA/Rustic Style Historic Resources
a.k.a. Scenic State Park
Off Co. Hwy. 7 E of Bigfork, Bigfork, MN Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
- 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.
Minnesota is home to the world's largest pelican statue, standing at 15.5 feet tall and located in the city of Pelican Rapids.
In the late 19th century, European settlers arrived in Itasca County, drawn by the discovery of iron ore deposits. The mining industry quickly boomed, attracting thousands of people to the area in search of wealth. As a result, towns such as Grand Rapids and Coleraine were established as mining communities, with railroads built to transport the extracted ore.
During the early 20th century, Itasca County faced challenges and changes with the decline of the mining industry. However, the establishment of the Chippewa National Forest in 1908 provided a new avenue for economic growth through logging and tourism. The forest's abundant resources and scenic beauty attracted visitors and provided jobs for local residents.
In the subsequent decades, Itasca County continued to adapt and develop. The opening of the Itasca State Park in 1891, featuring the headwaters of the Mississippi River, attracted tourists and brought further attention to the county. Today, Itasca County is a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing new opportunities in industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Itasca County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Itasca County, Minnesota.
- 1840s-1850s: The area that would become Itasca County is explored by European fur traders and trappers.
- 1855: Treaty of Washington is signed, leading to the establishment of the Leech Lake and Lake Winnebigoshish Indian Reservations within present-day Itasca County.
- 1871: Logging operations begin in the county, exploiting the region's abundant pine forests.
- 1879: The community of Grand Rapids is founded, becoming the county seat of Itasca County.
- 1891: The village of Deer River is incorporated.
- 1901: The first iron ore mine in the county, the Jessie Mine, begins production near the community of Pengilly.
- 1903: The city of Cohasset is incorporated.
- 1923: Itasca State Park is established, showcasing the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
- 1930s-1940s: The Great Depression and World War II have a significant impact on the logging and mining industries in Itasca County.
- 1960s: The opening of the Blandin Paper Company's paper mill in Grand Rapids brings a new era of economic growth to the county.
- 1980s: The mining industry experiences a decline, leading to layoffs and economic challenges for Itasca County.
- 2008: The Great Recession hits Itasca County, causing an increase in unemployment rates.
- Present: Itasca County continues to be known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and diverse economy.