Fort Ridgely State Park CCC/Rustic Style Historic Resources
a.k.a. Fort Ridgely State Park;See Also:Fort Ridgely
Off Co. Hwy. 30 NW of New Ulm, New Ulm, 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.
Minnesota is home to the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, Lake Superior. It covers over 31,000 square miles and contains 10% of the world's fresh surface water.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began arriving in the region, attracted by the fertile soil and potential for agricultural development. The township of Traverse des Sioux, located in present-day Nicollet County, emerged as an important trading post for fur traders and indigenous peoples. In 1851, the Traverse des Sioux Treaty was signed, ceding Native American land to the United States government and paving the way for further settlement.
Nicollet County was officially established on March 5, 1853, named after French explorer Joseph Nicollet. The county's first European settlers engaged in farming, primarily growing wheat, corn, and oats. As the region developed, small towns and villages such as St. Peter, North Star, and Lafayette sprang up, serving as centers of commerce and community for the local population.
Over the years, Nicollet County has seen significant growth and progress. The establishment of railroads in the late 19th century connected the county with larger markets, boosting economic opportunities. The county's economy thrived, with the agricultural sector expanding and the introduction of industrialization contributing to its prosperity. Today, Nicollet County continues to evolve, combining its rich history with modern developments and a strong sense of community.
Nicollet County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Nicollet County, Minnesota.
- 1853: Nicollet County is established on March 5.
- 1854: The county's first courthouse is built in Traverse des Sioux.
- 1857: St. Peter becomes the county seat.
- 1862: The Dakota War of 1862 leads to conflict between settlers and the Dakota Sioux.
- 1866: The county's second courthouse is built in St. Peter.
- 1875: The State Asylum for the Insane, now known as the Minnesota Security Hospital, is established.
- 1878: Gustavus Adolphus College is founded in St. Peter.
- 1893: The county's third courthouse is completed in St. Peter.
- 1904: The St. Peter State Hospital opens, later renamed the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center.
- 1949: The construction of the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway begins.
- 1956: Floodwaters from the Minnesota River cause significant damage in St. Peter.
- 1998: A tornado strikes St. Peter, causing extensive damage.