Bridge Creek Shelter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bridge Creek Shelter
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Location | In Bridge Creek Campground, southwest of Stehekin Valley Trail, about 12.8 miles (20.6 km) northwest of Stehekin, in North Cascades National Park |
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Nearest city | Stehekin, Washington |
Built | c. 1938 |
Architect | US Forest Service |
MPS | North Cascades National Park Service Complex MRA |
NRHP reference No. | 88003445 |
Added to NRHP | February 10, 1989 |
The Bridge Creek Shelter is a special building in North Cascades National Park. It's made from logs and shingles, giving it a natural, "rustic" look. This shelter was built a long time ago, in the 1930s. It was put together by the U.S. Forest Service with help from a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps.
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What is the Bridge Creek Shelter?
The Bridge Creek Shelter is a simple, sturdy building. It's designed to fit in with the beautiful nature around it. You can find it in the Bridge Creek Campground. This spot is southwest of the Stehekin Valley Trail. It's about 12.8 miles (20.6 km) northwest of a town called Stehekin.
A Rustic Design
The shelter's style is known as "National Park Service Rustic." This means it uses natural materials like logs and stones. The goal was to make buildings that looked like they belonged in the wilderness. They wanted them to be strong and simple. This style was popular for park buildings in the early 1900s.
Built for the Outdoors
The shelter is made mostly of wood. It has a roof covered with shingles. These materials help it stand up to the weather. The design also helps it blend into the forest. It's a great example of how people built things to work with nature.
Who Built the Shelter?
The Bridge Creek Shelter was built around 1938. Two important groups worked together on this project. They were the U.S. Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service manages national forests and grasslands. They also help protect natural resources. In the 1930s, they were busy building things in parks. These buildings helped people enjoy the outdoors safely. They also helped park staff do their jobs.
The Civilian Conservation Corps
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a special program. It started during the Great Depression in the United States. This was a time when many people didn't have jobs. The CCC gave young men work. They built roads, trails, and buildings in national parks and forests. They also helped with conservation efforts.
Young People Helping Their Country
The young men in the CCC learned valuable skills. They worked hard outdoors. They helped build many important structures. The Bridge Creek Shelter is one example of their lasting work. It shows how their efforts helped improve public lands.
Why is the Shelter Important?
The Bridge Creek Shelter is more than just a building. It's a piece of history. It shows how parks were developed in the past. It also represents the hard work of the CCC.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its history and design, the Bridge Creek Shelter is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. It helps us remember the past and how our national parks came to be.
Protecting Our Heritage
Being on the National Register helps protect the shelter. It ensures that this piece of history is preserved. Future generations can learn from it and enjoy it. It's a reminder of the efforts made to create and maintain our national parks.