Gooseberry Falls State Park CCC/WPA/Rustic Style Historic Resources
a.k.a. Gooseberry Falls State Park
Off US 61 NE of Two Harbors, Two Harbors, MN Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
- 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.
The Mall of America, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the largest mall in the United States, with over 5.6 million square feet of retail space.
In the 17th century, French fur traders began exploring the area in search of valuable furs. This led to European settlement in the region, as fur trading posts were established along the North Shore of Lake Superior. However, the harsh climate and difficult terrain limited permanent settlement.
In the mid-19th century, Lake County experienced a population boom with the discovery of iron ore in the region. Iron mining quickly became the primary industry, attracting immigrants from various European countries, such as Finland and Sweden, who sought employment in the mines. The mining industry thrived for several decades, transforming the landscape and bringing significant economic growth to the area.
By the mid-20th century, however, the declining demand for iron ore led to the closure of many mines in Lake County. With the decline of mining, the economy shifted towards tourism and outdoor recreation. The scenic beauty of the area, including the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, attracted visitors from across the country. Today, Lake County continues to be a popular tourist destination, known for its outdoor activities, beautiful lakes, and rich history.
Lake County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lake County, Minnesota.
- 1855 - Lake County is established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
- 1856 - First permanent settlement in the county is established at Two Harbors.
- 1865 - Construction of the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad begins, bringing new economic opportunities to the area.
- 1884 - The first iron ore shipment from the area is sent out, marking the beginning of the mining boom.
- 1886 - Split Rock Lighthouse is constructed to aid navigation on Lake Superior.
- 1893 - Two Harbors becomes a major shipping port for iron ore, with multiple docks and ore docks built.
- 1910 - Lake County's population reaches its peak with over 14,000 residents.
- 1953 - The mining industry declines, leading to a significant population decrease in the county.
- 1975 - Split Rock Lighthouse becomes a National Historic Landmark, attracting tourists to the area.
- 1982 - The Superior Hiking Trail, a 310-mile long footpath, is completed, offering outdoor recreational opportunities.