National Register Listing

Sibley State Park CCC/Rustic Style Historic District

a.k.a. Sibley State Park

Off US 71 W of New London, New London, 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.

Audiobooks about the history of Minnesota.
The US-Dakota War of 1862, also known as the Sioux Uprising, was a conflict between the Dakota Sioux and the United States. The war resulted in the execution of 38 Dakota men, the largest mass execution in U.S. history.
Minnesota random facts
Kandiyohi County, located in central Minnesota, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The land that is now Kandiyohi County was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe. These tribes utilized the region's resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

European settlement in Kandiyohi County began in the mid-19th century with the arrival of missionaries and traders. In 1858, the county was officially established as a separate entity and named after a Dakota word meaning "where the buffalo fish come."

The late 19th century brought a period of rapid growth to Kandiyohi County, driven by the expansion of railroad lines and the establishment of numerous small towns. Agriculture became the dominant industry, with the fertile soil supporting the growth of crops like corn, wheat, and oats. The county also became a major producer of dairy products and livestock.

Over the years, Kandiyohi County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The county remains an agricultural powerhouse, but it has also become a hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. With its scenic landscapes, lakes, and parks, Kandiyohi County has also become a popular destination for outdoor recreation, attracting tourists and residents alike. Today, Kandiyohi County is a vibrant community that embraces its history while looking towards a bright future.

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

  • 1849: Kandiyohi County was established by the Minnesota Territory legislature.
  • 1865: The first white settler arrived in Kandiyohi County.
  • 1867: The county government was organized.
  • 1870: The city of Willmar was platted.
  • 1871: The first school was built in Lake Elizabeth Township.
  • 1873: The Great Northern Railway reached Willmar, stimulating growth in the area.
  • 1894: A county courthouse was built in Willmar.
  • 1921: The first paved road was constructed in Kandiyohi County.
  • 1962: The Green Lake Sanatorium opened to treat tuberculosis patients.
  • 1971: The county's first community college, Ridgewater College, was established in Willmar.
  • 2000: The population of Kandiyohi County exceeded 41,000.